Fancy an alternative to Chardonnay? My favourite grape! ๐
As a lover, or not – here are 9 alternatives to try, as recommended by wine experts across Edinburgh. Save this post for your next wine outing!
1. Godello from Galicia for waxy, mineral complexity that Burgundy lovers tend to fall for immediately.
2. Aligotรฉ from Burgundy itself, leaner and fresher, Chablis in spirit.
3. Altesse / Roussette from Savoie, aromatic, honeyed, and criminally underexplored.
4. Viura / Macabeo from Rioja Blanco, fresh and citrusy in its modern style, almost Jura-like in its traditional oxidative form.
5. Chenin Blanc from the Loire or South Africa, high acidity, remarkable ageing potential, and a waxy richness in its fuller expressions that sits closer to white Burgundy than you might expect.
6. Carricante from Mount Etna, volcanic minerality and saline freshness for the Chablis lovers.
7. Cortese / Gavi from Piedmont, and Davide specifically calls out single vineyard La Rocca. Almond, citrus pith, and a clean bitter finish that opens beautifully with a couple of years.
8. Palhete from Portugal, recommended by sommelier James Snowdon. Our wildcard. Not a white wine. Not quite a rosรฉ. A traditional field blend of red and white grapes that has been made since the 12th century and is having a serious revival right now.
9. Falanghina from Campania in southern Italy, bright citrus, floral lift, and volcanic energy!
Bonus: White Rhรดne (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne), my personal recommendation and one I often turn to for richer food and wine pairings. Texture and body that rivals the richest white Burgundy, without a drop of Chardonnay in sight.
Have you heard of all these? I hadn’t – Palhete was new to me. Do you have a favourite from the list above?
Thank you to all our wine experts: @donnellied
@breakfastofchampagne @heron.scot @stuskea @aizlehospitalitygroup @thebuddingsommelier @dbldcuz @wine.budds @_.ribkah._@thescottishwineguy @goodbrotherswinecellars @winekraft @lozestica @under_the_table_edinburgh Kit of
@timberyard10 Andrew of @montrose.edinburgh @jamesieclark @learntheitalianwine @sottoedinburgh @jamesasnowdon @the_palmerston
#wineeducation #chardonnay #sommelierBeing Wineful – Mindful Wine Community
Being Wineful is here to prove that enjoying wine can be stylish, joyful and inclusive โ never intimidating. Celebrating curiosity at every level, we bridge the gap between Scotland’s independent wine shops, bars, restaurants and hospitality businesses, and wine enthusiasts alike. We bring these worlds together, because wine is for everyone โ and luxury should feel that way too.
www.beingwineful.com