tim@timsyradwines.com
Mob: 07850 329111

Is ABC OOD?

by | Jul 2, 2024 | Richmond Wine Society, Teddington Wine Society

At both Teddington and Richmond Wine Societies at the end of June we asked the question is “Anything But Chardonnay” Out of Date?

So many people now say they don’t like Chardonnay (even some people attending the tastings), and we agreed that what had been a novelty back in the 80s when Oddbins presented us with an oaky Australian Chardonnay from Rosemount or Lindemans had become a caricature – too many new world wines made from the unfortunate grape variety had spent far too long with a teabag of toasty oak chips stewing in their tank, and too many were too alcoholic, too over extracted and too unpleasant.  Meanwhile a fashion for Chablis had encouraged too much thin rather tasteless acidic wines onto the market, while Burgundy sorted its cork taint out and frankly became awfully good and terribly expensive.

This was a chance to reset.  We worked our way through a variety of styles and price points that showed that the Chardonnay grape can have lovely flavour and complexity, and with judicious use of oak (or no oak and decent ageing on lees) develop wonderful depth and texture and evolve beautifully.  From a Beaujolais Blanc without a whiff of oak to a very classy Margaret River Chardonnay with plenty of toasty oak matched by lovely fruit we tasted the range, and everyone found something to like.  Some of the price points were a little edgy, but anyone who has £40 to spare could do worse than buy a bottle of 2015 Chardonnay from the Greywacke Estate in Marlborough New Zealand, nicely proving there is more to Marlborough than Sauvignon Blanc, and more to Chardonnay than France!

At Teddington we enjoyed coq-au-vin and some very nice cheeses, while at the Britannia our menu was a tomato and mascarpone salad with chicken main (delicious as always).

For details of the wines, please visit the Wines we have tasted page.

Meet Tim Syrad

You can choose what you would like to receive information on and unsubscribe at any time. We will not share your information with anyone else.

“Throughout the 17 years I have attended Tim’s wine tasting events, he has continued to deliver his extensive knowledge of wine and wine-making with great charm, and lots of humour, making the evenings not only informative, but also great fun. In the course of an average year, the tastings cover a kaleidoscope of different wine themes – interesting and entertaining for all, novices and experts alike. And the wines taste pretty good too!”

“We have been going to Teddington Wine Society events for a number of years. Tim runs the evenings with bonhomie and humour and wears his considerable knowledge lightly. The evenings are great fun, the wines are always a little bit different and help to expand knowledge and tasting horizons.”

“I have attended the Richmond Wine society for over ten years and always enjoyed Tim’s self-effacing style and gentle humour. His knowledge is globally eclectic and presented in a clear, interesting and always stimulating way. Every guest I have taken there has enjoyed the evening immensely. Tim also offers a wide range of wines to buy and my red cellar has provided great pleasure to my own dinner guests.”

“I’ve been enjoying Tim’s tastings for over 20 years – he is a great teacher, raconteur and wine expert. He is seriously passionate about his wine, but there is nothing serious about his tastings, which are always informal and relaxed. A lovely way to spend an evening and enjoy some fantastic wines.”

You may also like…

We start the new year in Tuscany

We start the new year in Tuscany

At Teddington and Richmond Wine Societies we kicked off the new year with a tasting of wines from Tuscany. Kicking off...

Our 2024 Christmas Extravaganzas

Our 2024 Christmas Extravaganzas

Richmond and Teddington Wine Societies rounded off the year with our customary Christmas tastings, which I always...