It's OK to drink Chardonnay

New Zealand is currently making some stunning chardonnays, and because the climate is far more temperate than Australia, Kiwi chardonnays tend to have more in common with French whites than the New World examples. Tesco has a good range from which to choose. Enjoy the unoaked Montana East Coast chardonnay 2000 (£5.99) as an aperitif or opt for the richer, more buttery organic Milton Gisbourne chardonnay at £8.99. This is a great foil for creamy fish dishes.

Or you can go the South American route. Chile and Argentina are now steaming ahead and producing some stunning value-for-money whites. Waitrose’s Caliterra chardonnay produced in Chile’s Central Valley is great value at £4.99. Or try their new Catena Agrelo Vineyards chardonnay 1999 Mendoza, (£8.99), an Argentinian beauty that has a rich, delicious tropical fruit flavour with hints of vanilla derived from the new French oak barrels in which it was matured.

South Africa produces two styles of chardonnay. The lighter style is often blended with the Chenin Blanc grape. Carisbroke Chenin chardonnay is a good value easy drinking party white at £3.99 from Wine Rack and Threshers. Crisper and zippier is Tesco’s Goiya Kgeisje Sauvignon/chardonnay, again stunning value for money at £3.99.

For a much more full-bodied wine you can do no better than Danie de Wet’s Call of the African Eagle Reserve chardonnay (£6.99, only available at the biggest superstores). This impressive dinner party wine tastes delicious with garlic prawns and is even hefty enough to cope with Thai green curry. Enjoy!

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