The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration, i4c for short, begins next week in Niagara. From July 19th to the 21st, 60 wineries will be presenting 120 wines. This is a great opportunity to taste Chardonnay being poured over the weekend from 10 countries during 10 events beginning with the official kick-off event Friday evening: 8 Chefs. 8 Grills. Another event you will not want to miss is the Cool Chardonnay World Tour Grand Tasting on Saturday where all 120 wines will be presented in one place. With various styles from crisp to fruity to smooth to rich, participants will be able to choose for themselves what kind of Chardonnay they think is cool!
Le Clos JordanneLe Clos Jordanne
Photo credit: © C. Silversides
The i4c was born out of talks by Ontario winemakers celebrating the award won by the local Niagara winery Le Clos Jordanne for their 2005 Claystone Terrace Chardonnay at the 2009 Cellier Wine Awards in Montreal. In 2010 a not-for-profit group was formed by 28 Ontario wineries to promote exceptional Chardonnay. This resulted in the creation of an annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration held in the Niagara Peninsula wine region which is now in its third year.
Approximately 50% of the 2013 i4c wines are from Canada, with the other half coming from Argentina, California, Chile, France, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Oregon, and Spain. A Chardonnay I suggest you do not miss is from a small appellation in France from Caves Jean Bourdy, made by one of the oldest wine making families around. The domaine created between 1475 and 1500 is currently being run by their 15th generation. I have had the pleasure of tasting several wines from this producer including the 1959 Domaine Bourdy Côtes du Jura. With a unique flavour profile, this is a fantastic Chardonnay like no other, and it can be kept up to 100 years!
Caves Jean BourdyCaves Jean Bourdy
Photo credit: © C. Silversides
A few things to know about Chardonnay:
- Most widely planted varietal in Ontario and the world
- Expressed both by its terroir and winemaker
- Makes a great food wine due to its refreshing acidity
So there you have it: Cool Climate Chardonnay