Wine enthusiasts across Canada are actively searching for alternatives to the popular, richly flavoured chardonnays from California that have become harder to find. A significant audience craves those creamy textures and buttery characters, seeking replacements for fuller-bodied favourites like Bread & Butter, Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve, and Rombauer.
The Challenge for Full-Bodied Chardonnay Fans
This quest for richer wines presents a challenge. In recent years, fresher and more focused chardonnay styles have gained popularity with winemakers and many consumers globally. However, for those who prefer a more generous and hedonistic profile, several labels still deliver. Here are three current releases that cater to this specific taste.
Flat Rock The OC Chardonnay 2023
From Ontario's Flat Rock Cellars comes The OC Chardonnay 2023, priced at $34.95 and rated 88 points. The OC stands for The Oaked Chardonnay, a special release from the winery's Monolith series. This project shares the winemaking team's research with customers, and this particular bottle is a throwback style.
It features a rich and creamy texture with pronounced toasty and spicy notes. These flavours come from fermentation and extended aging in new French oak barrels. While it's a bigger and bolder expression than Flat Rock's typical style, a blast of citrussy acidity balances the considerable weight. This wine has 13.5% ABV and 2 g/litre of residual sugar. It's ready to drink now and can be cellared until 2030. Available in Ontario.
Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2024
An offshoot of Niagara’s Henry of Pelham Family Estate, Family Tree offers The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2024 for $16.95, also rated 88 points. Made in a rich and creamy style, this wine strikes a chord with its old-school character.
It leans into chardonnay’s buttery nature without losing balance and freshness. This accessible choice has 13% ABV and 7 g/litre of residual sugar. Enjoy it now through 2027. Available at the listed price in Ontario, $15.99 direct from henryofpelham.com, $17.99 in Manitoba, and $21.99 in Newfoundland.
A Reliable Australian Option: Lindemans Bin 65
For a widely available and budget-friendly alternative, consider the Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2024 from Australia. Priced at $13.05 and rated 86 points, this wine was built to be a crowd-pleaser rather than a critic's choice.
The current release delivers bold flavour and a soft texture with plenty of sweet fruit and vanilla-like oak on display. It contains 13.5% ABV and 5 g/litre of residual sugar and is meant for drinking now. Find it across Canada at various prices, including $10.99 in British Columbia and $13.10 in Quebec.
These three wines demonstrate that despite the trend towards leaner chardonnays, options still exist for those who love a richer, more opulent glass. From Niagara's innovative projects to reliable international brands, Canadian wine lovers have paths to explore in their search for that beloved creamy, buttery experience.
