Finger Lakes Wine of the Week:
Buttonwood Grove Winery 2013 Reserve Chardonnay
By Nicholas Baldwin
Chardonnay comes in many different styles and can be grown all over the world. Here in the cool climate of the Finger Lakes, it tends lean more toward brighter acidity with an austere mouthfeel. The 2013 Buttonwood Grove Winery Reserve Chardonnay strays somewhat from the norm as a result of its oak maturation and 100-percent malolactic fermentation, the process of fermentation responsible for converting steely malic acids into the creamy buttery lactic acids. This Chardonnay has a great nose and mouthfeel, and is an overall spot-on representation for Chardonnays in the Finger Lakes.
This Reserve Chardonnay has a soft golden yellow hue and strong aromas of white peach, green apples, Bosc pear and lemony citrus fruits, with a little hint of oaky notes. It is a dry wine with only an initial touch of sweetness on the tip of your tongue and lips. The lactic acids quickly coat the entire inside of your mouth with a rich warming sensation. This Chardonnay would make for a great pairing with all types of seafood, poultry, pork and slow braised red meats, or–better yet–a pasta dish with an artichoke and lemon cream sauce. Priced around $18, this is a great example of a Finger Lakes Chardonnay at a great price.
Nicholas Baldwin has worked in the wine and spirits business for more than 12 years and traveled the world visiting vineyards. He holds numerous wine certifications.
For more of Nicholas Baldwin’s wine tasting notes, click here.
If you’re a Finger Lakes wine producer and would like to submit wines for consideration, please contact Nicholas Baldwin at nick@nicholasbaldwin.com.
