2010 Badet, Clement & Co. Chardonnay Revelation

Trader Joe’s find

Another short tasting note. We’re heading out for Germany tomorrow, so things will be a bit more silent, although I probably will not be able to contain my excitement along the way and post short updates.

I am not a big chardonnay fan, if, then I tend to go for the steel vinted ones, no or just little oak. Sometimes this seems to be described as “the French style”, but I guess there are oakier French chardonnays, too.

I was cooking a Southern French inspired lemon-thyme-broth chicken with tons of garlic for friends of ours. The recipe is wonderfully simple, and incredibly delicious. Given the lemon and its provenance, I decided to go for a Southern French white, and Trader Joe’s was carrying this chardonnay from the Pays d’Oc. It was $5.99, I believe, so I thought we should give it a try. I was completely fine with it, it met my expectations. I wanted a somewhat medium-bodied white that could stand up to the acidity and hold its own without being overbearing or heavy. This wine paired really well. Light in color, mineralic in taste. It held its ground against the succulent chicken and brought new flavors to the dish. When I had a sip after dinner, I was less impressed. Just a basic wine. But a fine dinner companion indeed. Give it a try, if you get a chance!

More from Germany in a bit!