I feel as though Chardonnay gets most of the white wine attention.  For deeply personal, and embarrassing reasons (that my mother actually told me not to write about), Chardonnay and I do not share the same space….usually.  There are ethereal Chardonnays, unfortunately they aren’t usually in my budget.

There are varietals that are similar to Chardonnay. They might not be as readily available as Chardonnay but when I find them, they are ordered or bought almost without hesitation. I have found that these wines share quite a few characteristics with the Reigning Queen of white wine, without the personal humiliation of having to actually drink Chardonnay myself.

Viognier, traditionally grown in the Northern Rhone Valley of France, but also the US and Australia, is the first example.  It is textural and aromatic.  On the nose it can have lots of herbacious notes: chamomile, thyme and lavender.  Viognier tastes like white flowers mixed with tropical fruits. Both Viognier and Chardonnay share the same creamy mouth feel and tropical fruits.

Also from the Northern Rhone Valley, Marsanne and Roussane.  The two are traditionally blended.  Think almonds, slightly spiced pear and white peaches.  All with a voluminous mouth feel.  A yummy choice.

I saved my absolutely favorite of this group for last…….Fiano di Avellino.  It is grown in Campania, Italy, as well as in Sicily.  I fell in love with Fiano di Avellino years ago when a wine director named Cindy taught me how to sell it to a guest who says they love Chardonnay.  It is dry, fruity and nutty.  No really, toasted hazelnuts and almonds.  Fiano is a glorious golden color.  With a lively acidity and the aroma of honey, flowers and pears, what’s not to love? Fiano di Avellino was also my first ‘Holy Cow Italian Wine Corks Are Different’ wine.  They tend to be a bit longer so I might have made a complete fool of myself trying to open a bottle that I had just suggested to two lovely ladies.   Thankfully they were very kind to me so I wasn’t scarred for life, as I was with the above not to be discussed Chardonnay experience.

Cheers!

J Mac