£17.99 (in any 6-bottle mix), Majestic stores
New Zealand Chardonnay is still overshadowed by the country's Sauvignon Blanc, as is every other grape variety and wine style, but the current shortage of Sauvignon after last year's devastating frosts is a perfect opportunity to give the Chardonnays some love. And they deserve it, believe me.
The barrel-fermented Nautilus from Marlborough is typically expressive and stylish, capturing the freshness of a salty sea breeze and the smokiness of gunflint together with ripples of freesia, citrus zest, peach and buttery brazil nuts. On the palate there's the supple, creamy depth of white Burgundy and the refreshing bite and vitality of grapefruit.
It's not too full-bodied to drink as an aperitif, but goes very well with creamy fish pies, chowders, seafood gratins, cauliflower cheese, chicken fricassee and creamy pasta dishes, and it's equally at home, as a vegan-friendly wine, with dairy-free vegetable tagines, stir fries and herby quinoa salads. 13%. Empty bottle weight: 543g.
Nautilus Chardonnay 2019, Marlborough, New Zealand
£17.99 in any 6-bottle mix, £23.99 single bottle, Majestic stores (currently out of stock online); £20.40, Vinvm; £22.95, winedirect
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