Gumdale - Chardonnay @@@@ (4 corks)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

It seemed fate that I should have a positive Chardonnay experience with Summerfield, and low-and-behold Total Wine's "Wine of the Month" is a Chardonnay. With July whisked away and into August, temps in Florida are still in the high 80's, low 90's. It's been rainy and miserable this summer in the Sunshine State. Good wine is keepingn our morales high and spirits up.

It was long believed that the Chardonnay grapes were a mix between Pinot Noir and Blanc. However, recent DNA studies have concluded that Chardonnay is in fact a result of Gouais Blanc and Pinot combinations. Of course, the Romans are to blame, it is believed that Gouais Blanc came into the posession of the Romans by way of the Balkans. It was widely cultivated by peasants in France closely with the French aristocracy who preferred Pinot varietals. Chardonnay grapes were born.

Gumdale has yet to truly fail me. The Chardonnay is no exception. Crisp, fruity and very smooth, Gumdale's Chardonnay is a beautifully composed wine. Just enough body and flavor to compliment a meal or hold its own solo, Gumdale Chardonnay is a MUST for both hardcore red wine drinkers and white wine enthusiasts alike. White wine, for me, usually fails when not paired with a meal, the flavors of food can dwarf its flavor. I have truly enjoyed sipping this wine during cocktail hour just as much as I have while devouring a sumptuous repas. Enjoy!