Sean Minor Chardonnay: An Affordable Celebration
Finalizing beverage selections when planning entertainment for friends and family is a challenge for all of us, but a great place to start is with Chardonnay. Of all the wines that you set out for enjoyment, a nicely-priced, interesting Chard, is a Priority-1 essential.
But many Chardonnays, even those that are supposedly “un-oaked”, still have a basic “woody” bouquet and flavor that is sooo monotonous across many brands. If you’re quaffing, that’s fine, but for special celebrations, why not serve something a little different?
This time try a blend that’s tactfully produced with some oak, but still comes across with apple, pear and tropical fruit plus a spicy floral quality. These types of Chardonnays often compliment the fruit flavors present in light appetizers and add to the distinctive nature of expressions that are off the beaten track.
To emphasize the uniqueness of a more floral Chardonnay, present it with sliced pears and gorgonzola cheese appetizers. These also work quite well with apple and cantaloupe along with samplings of light cheddar. Then, be sure to decorate the table with a nice floral arrangement, and you’re on, fresh and simply enjoyable; then take in a gourmet experience that is not overly expensive but sumptuous.
A good wine to open up for this is Sean Minor’s 4-Bears Chardonnay. It’s not a well-known label (4 Bears and all), but it measures up to the standard quite nicely. With a bouquet of boldly pronounced pears, apples and fresh tropical fruits, it’s just perfect to sniff while gazing at your holiday floral arrangement and savoring the appetizers. And 4-Bears backs it up with a well-balanced body of acid and fruit with absolutely no oakiness, while sporting a little spice on the finish.
This Chardonnay is now being offered at Phoenix area AJs stores. On sale at under $12, this selection is well priced to buy this season for all to enjoy. Keep it on hand right through spring and summer!
Serve a little on the cold side after 60 minutes in the fridge (55-55 degrees). Here’s to lifting a glass!
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