Anyday Chardonnay Case

This excellent value white returns to being made entirely from Margaret River fruit in the 2023 vintage, after the more generic (but still delicious) "Western Australian" chardonnay in 2022. Its not easy to find Margaret River wine at this sort of price in the UK but this is a perfect introduction to the region. This shows delicious stone and tropical fruit on the nose, an attractive nuttiness and sweet spice. The palate is generous, with breadth and depth way beyond its price bracket. Lemon zest, ginger snap and peach combine, with fine tension through to the finish. Xanadu was founded in 1977 and is one of the earlier wineries to be established in the region. The wines are now made by multi award-winning winemaker Glenn Goodall, who is one of the great characters and loveliest blokes of the region.

A cross-regional chardonnay from France and the best of two worlds. Fruit from warmer areas of southern France provides body and weight, with grapes sourced from the foothills of the Pyrenees adding freshness and elegance. Dry, clean and crisp, this would be perfect with roast chicken or quiches.

Impressive but easy-drinking oaked chardonnay from warm Swartland vineyards in South Africa, light enough to drink on its own but with enough body for the table. Ripe melon and peach meld with a touch of sourdough and spice.

Impressive, bright, fresh and concentrated cool climate chardonnay from El Rosario vineyards 19km from the Pacific Ocean. Melony fruit with a seam of citrus. 70% fermented in barrel for richness and 30% in tank for freshness.

Produced exclusively for The Wine Society by winemaker Henk Swart at Deetlefs Estate in the Breedekloof - one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa - this is a generous, oaked Cape chardonnay with a round mouthfeel from ageing on its yeast lees. The majority of the fruit is sourced from the warm Breedekloof, with a small proportion from cooler Franschhoek, and then mostly fermented and matured in French oak barrels for spice and richness. Full-flavoured with ripe apple, lemon curd and apricot, this is a new – and great value – addition to the Society's own-label range.

The southern Ardèche is a good place for chardonnay, which thrives on stony, sandy soils and long hot summers. Picking early conserves all the fruit and crispness of good chardonnay. Enjoy this with fish or poultry, or indeed on its own..