Novellum Chardonay

Novellum Chardonnay comes from the Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France and is bottled at 13.0% ABV, a moderate strength for a Chardonnay from a warm Mediterranean region. The producer's notes point to fresh fruit with a subtle touch of oak, and that is the style to expect: a Chardonnay built around ripe orchard and citrus fruit, with wood in a supporting role rather than a buttery, heavily toasted one. In the glass, wines like this from southern France usually show apple, pear and lemon, sometimes with a hint of peach or melon from the warmer climate. Expect a medium body, softly rounded rather than rich, with acidity that keeps it lively and a finish of moderate length. Because the oak is described as subtle, any vanilla or light toast should sit quietly behind the fruit instead of dominating it. Tannin is not a feature of white wine in any meaningful sense, so structure comes from acidity and texture. At the table it suits dishes that are neither delicate nor heavy. Roast chicken with herbs, grilled white fish, pasta in a cream or lemon sauce, risotto, and mild soft cheeses such as brie or camembert all work well. It also handles shellfish and simple salads, and the gentle oak lets it stand up to a little butter in the cooking without clashing. Serve it chilled but not ice-cold, around 8 to 10 °C. Straight from a refrigerator that is too cold, the fruit stays muted, so give it ten minutes or so in the glass to open up. There is no need to decant. A standard white wine glass with a moderately wide bowl will let the fruit show without exaggerating the oak. This is a bottle to drink young, within a couple of years of purchase, rather than one to lay down for ageing.