This article, we’re diving into everything Chardonnay! From winemaking techniques and pairing tips to aging insights, we’ll explore it all. Plus, we’ll showcase the unique flavours and characteristics of Rob Dolan Wines’ Chardonnay across our ranges. Stay tuned for a deeper appreciation of this iconic varietal.

1. Winemaking

Chardonnay’s adaptability in winemaking allows for a wide range of styles, from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and buttery. The choices our winemakers make throughout the process ultimately shape the character of the wine which is why it is a variety much beloved by winemakers.

Chardonnay can be fermented in stainless steel tanks for a clean, crisp style or in oak barrels for added complexity and texture.  Complexity can be further enhanced by the use of wild yeast –the yeast present on the grape skins – as they can impart unique characteristics to the wine. Aging in French oak barrels can add flavors like vanilla, spice, and toast. The duration of aging, along with the level of toast on the barrels, will also impact the wine’s profile.

Keeping the wine in contact with its lees (dead yeast cells) after fermentation can enhance mouthfeel and complexity. Stirring the lees (batonnage) can further amplify this effect.

Another option is the use of malolactic conversion.  In this process, bacteria consume the appley malic acid and convert it to lactic acid which is present in yoghurt and milk.  This adds a creaminess to the wine as well as butter and caramel flavours.

All of these options are available to our winemakers and are used across the different brands in different ways.

2. Difference between Ranges

TRUE COLOURS

“Truly pairable, truly shareable.  Truly authentic, truly Yarra Valley, truly family.”

Fruit driven and instantly likeable, our True Colours Chardonnay is the perfect introduction to Rob Dolan Wines.  Made from grapes grown across the Valley floor, our True Colours Chardonnay is the Yarra Valley in a glass.  Some French oak ageing has added structure to the wine while retaining the stone fruit freshness.  An honest and perfect reflection of the Yarra Valley, this quaffable wine is made to be enjoyed today either on its own, or with a great meal with great friends.

BLACK LABEL

Our unique Black Label range is where we showcase our deep enthusiasm and passion for winemaking.  The Black Label Chardonnay is a richer style with more evident oak and a creamy texture thanks to the small portion of malolactic conversion.  Distinctive in its approach, the aim was to produce a style of wine to showcase Chardonnay’s diversity.

WHITE LABEL

Our White Label range exemplifies the distinctive Rob Dolan style.  Our Chardonnay is from the Willowlake Vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley which is considered to be the best vineyard in the Yarra Valley.  The purpose of our White Label range is to showcase the premium vineyards of the Yarra Valley.  The wine is whole bunch pressed to preserve softness, 100% barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in French hogsheads.  The wine is bottled and aged for 12 months in bottle prior to release.  These wines have texture and complexity and display regional and varietal characters. Suitable for cellaring and providing ample food pairing opportunities.

SIGNATURE SERIES

The Rob Dolan Signature Series range is a culmination of 35 years in the wine industry. Made only in the most outstanding vintages, these small batch wines are the ultimate expression of Rob and his team. The Chardonnay is sourced from the Willowlake Vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley.  The grapes are gently pressed before barrel fermentation and ageing.  Rigorous barrel selection follows to ensure the ultimate expression of Chardonnay.  The wine is aged in bottle for at least 12 months and is designed for further ageing.

3. Pairings

Due to the diverse styles it can produce, Chardonnay can be paired with many different foods.  Our minerally White Label Chardonnay is well-paired with oysters in its youth but as it ages can take on more robust, indulgent flavours such as butter drenched lobster.

The creaminess of the Black Label Chardonnay makes it the perfect partner for creamy dishes such as parmesan rich risottos.  The True Colours Chardonnay is a bit of an all rounder – equally at home with a charcuterie platter as a saffron butter roast chicken.

4. Ageing

Yarra Valley Chardonnay starts its life as a bit of an orchard wine – nectarines, peaches and green apples with a mineral edge.  As it ages, the fresh stone fruit character morphs in to baked apple, honey and waxy characters.  Add in the oak which moves from cooking spice to a nuttiness that adds complexity to the wine.  All throughout, our Chardonnays retain their acidity ensuring a crisp finish and longevity.

– Meg Brodtmann MW