The Battle of Chardonnay – Marcassin, Sonoma coast vs Domaine François Raveneau, Chablis

Comparing Old World Chardonnay with New World expressions across the pond is absolutely fascinating, and our sommeliers were fortunate enough to open two classic examples representing the best of both worlds.

Traditionally, Old World Chardonnays tend to be lighter in alcohol, more subtle, and with more minerality and earthiness. The fruit is riper in the New World, and the warmer climate produces bold, fruity expressions that have become more and more popular in restaurants and on our dining tables as the trends change with the next generation of drinkers…

Additionally, the New World winemakers can arguably experiment to their heart’s content, thus producing an array of styles to sip on, however the Old World producers follow their timeless, traditional guidelines and bring food into their tastings more prominently than their cousins of the New World.

With numerous examples of Chardonnay on our unparalleled list, it is easy to become a soldier in the battle.

The only thing left to do is to pick a side…