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Before we all go into full hibernation mode and stock up on Cabernet and Zinfandel for the winter, let's consider pairing possibilities for the upcoming holidays. A classic Thanksgiving choice is Chardonnay. Yes, we all have that one sister or uncle who turns their nose up at Chardonnay because of that one wine they disliked eight years ago. But don't fret: The wines in today's selection are crowd-pleasers and made in diverse styles, and not only will they be great alongside turkey, they'll also pair well with a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes. Plus, they're bound to win over any "ABC (Anything but Chardonnay)" relatives.
CHAMONIX Chardonnay Franschhoek 2016
WS Review: Bold, with ginger and hazelnut aromas leading the way for ripe yellow apple, quince and pear flavors. This is well-toasted through the finish, but shows enough fruit and freshness for balance. A showy style that pulls it off. Drink now. 300 cases imported.
Why it's of note: This wine hails from just inland of the southwest coast of South Africa, in Franschhoek, where surrounding mountains shield the area from ocean influences as well as too much sun. The Chamonix winery believes in limited intervention in their winemaking. This Chardonnay was aged on its lees for 14 months, and is a great example of a New World white with bold, exotic fruit.
Try it with: shredded Brussels sprouts salad with toasted hazelnuts and Sherry vinaigrette
LOUIS LATOUR Montagny La Grande Roche 2016
WS Review: A bright vein of acidity weaves throughout this white, sharpening the apple, white peach and light oyster shell flavors. Consistent from start to finish. Drink now through 2021. 4,200 cases imported.
Why it's of note: For classic, Old World–style Chardonnay, there's no better place to look than Burgundy in France. The Montagny appellation is in the Côte Chalonnaise, in the central part of the region. The grapes for this Louis Latour bottling were grown in limestone, chalk and clay soils. Fermentation and aging took place in stainless steel, resulting in a clean, crisp profile.
Try it with: oyster stuffing
STOLLER Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2017
WS Review: Bright and fresh, featuring snappy pear and apricot flavors laced with orange peel and spiced cinnamon notes. Drink now. 6,550 cases made.
Why it's of note: The 2017 growing season was a little challenging in Oregon, but this Stoller Chardonnay stands out. It's from Dundee Hills, one of the premier subregions of Willamette Valley. Despite no oak treatment, this white still shows some nice spice.
Try it with: candied yams
CONCHA Y TORO Chardonnay Limarí Valley Marques de Casa Concha 2017
WS Review: Rich and finely textured, with chamomile accents to the fresh-cut apple, green peach and ripe citrus flavors. Spicy finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,600 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Concha y Toro winemaker and technical director Marcelo Papa's main goal is to create wines that truly reflect their terroir. Limarí Valley is in the northern half of Chile's winemaking regions. Despite the area's latitude, the nearby Pacific Ocean creates a cooling effect, resulting in the fresh citrus and orchard fruit that is associated with more moderate climates.
Try it with: chamomile-almond cake
FIRRIATO Chardonnay Terre Siciliane Feudi Branciforti dei Bordonaro 2017
WS Review: Hints of oak spice and smoke accent the creamy profile of baked pineapple, mandarin orange and lime blossom in this lightly juicy and balanced, medium-bodied white. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Although most Sicilian wines focus on indigenous grapes, many winemakers have branched out toward international varieties like Chardonnay. This version from Firriato is aged for two months in stainless steel, but has some oomph to it with spice and ripe and tropical fruit.
Try it with: ambrosia fruit salad
LAMOREAUX LANDING Chardonnay Finger Lakes 2016
WS Review: Direct, with a beam of pear and green apple flavors guided by moderate butter and honeysuckle accents. Offers a rounded, friendly finish. Drink now. 1,525 cases made.
Why it's of note: Lamoreaux Landing, located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is dedicated to sustainable winemaking practices. While they have an unoaked Chardonnay in their portfolio, this bottling spends time in stainless steel and both French and American oak.
Try it with: buttery mashed potatoes
BULLETIN PLACE Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Unoaked 2018
WS Review: The appealing flavors of tangy lemon and peach have plenty to say in a compact frame, with a crisp finish and a smooth texture. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: While Australia is best-known for its rich Shiraz reds, the country is vast and has multitudes of diverse climates and wine regions, allowing grapes like Chardonnay to thrive. This Bulletin Place bottling, at $11, is a great option for group dinners as you can stock up on several bottles without blowing the wine budget.
Try it with: biscuits with cranberry-citrus sauce