Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration: Down and Dirty with the Grape

 

The rebirth of cool is kicking off today in Niagara, as the world’s top cool climate chardonnay producers gather together with wine lovers to celebrate the grape. In the video below we chat about the event and what makes this style so different from other chardonnays and wines …

 

 

The second annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (mercifully i4C) will showcase 110 chardonnays and 50 winemakers with tastings, dinners and fun events where guests can blend their own wine, participate in a boot camp challenge and do other crazy things to reaffirm their love of this style of chard.

Joining me today is Brian Schmidt winemaker at Niagara’s Vineland Estates Winery to talk about this cool wine. We’ll post part two of our conversation tomorrow.

 

 

 

2010 Vineland Estates Chardonnay Musqué, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
Lovely! Spring apple blossoms and honeysuckle with a crisp, dry finish. Mouth-watering and food-friendly. Drink: 2012-2015.  996793  13%  XD  750 mL  $17.95  Score: 89/100.

 

 

 

2008 Vineland Pinot Blanc, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
Clean and crisp with mild aromas of white melon. Pair with: rich seafood, chicken in a butter or cream sauce.  164467  11%  D  750 mL  $16.95  Score: 87/100.

 

 

 

 

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Is there someone else with a fascinating wine story whom you think I should interview? Please e-mail me: [email protected].

 

 

Vineland Estates Winery

 

 

In part two of our video chat below, Brian Schmidt of Vineland Estates Winery talk about the I4C event in Niagara this weekend. You can also watch part one of our conversation about cool climate chardonnay.

 

What makes it different from warm climate chardonnays?

 

 

What are the 5 elements of “cool”? altitude, latitude, maritime influence, climate, winemaking style

What is minerality: taste or texture? Compare it? Really from stones?

Anything But Chardonnay, nasty acronym ABC: Why did chardonnay get such a bad rap?

What are you favourite food pairings for cool climate chardonnay?

Tell me about the events at the celebration such as getting to blend your own wine and boot camp?

 

 

 

You may also enjoy these video chats:

Chardonnay Makeover with Cool Climate Celebration 

Restaurant Wine Service: the Good, the Bad and the Gross

See all wine video chats here.

Is there someone else with a fascinating wine story whom you think I should interview?

Please e-mail me: [email protected]

 

 

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