Chardonnay - Face Off

During a dinner part last evening, we tasted two Chardonnays.

Maison Nicolas 2003 Reserve Vin De Pay D'oc and Domaine De Fussiacus 2004 Poilly-Fuisse.

Our tasting panel considered the wines carefully and rendered their decision.

This tasting was unique because the wines are dramatically different in price.

The first Maison Nicolas was purchased, for cooking, at Western Liquors at Costco in Clifton. Typically it sells for around $8. On Friday it was on sale 2 for $7.

Vin De Pay  (VaN deh Pie-ee) means Literally, "wine of the country," a category of French wines considered lower in status than Appellation Controllée, but because it's considered less "desirable," may offer particularly good value if well-chosen.  Vin De Pay D'OC has become a marketing tool as described here, Vin De Pay D'OC Web Site .

The second wine Domaine De Fussiacus 2004 Poilly-Fuisse clearly a superior wine by its Appellation d’origine contrôlée designation. Sells for just under $30.00. Not the most expensive Chardonnay you can buy but surely significantly more than our 2 for 7 contender.

On the first glass the Maison Nicolas we all agreed that the nose was adequate, the wine was smooth and balanced. A little light on the palate, but very good.

"Reserve Maison Nicolas Chardonnay 2000 "Top Ten" is the winner of a gold medal at the Vinalies Internationales, a silver medal at the International Chardonnay Competition of Macon and was judged best value white wine from the Pays d'Oc. " 

The Domaine De Fussiacus took us to another place. It is truly sublime. A T. Edwards import available at Amanti Vino.

It teases on the nose and then melts in your mouth with delight ful fruit. Very enduring in the mouth with a fresh airy finish.

This wine won the tasting, but for every day drinking the Maison Nicolas is a good choice as well.