Masterclass - Chardonnay

Australian chardonnay has been places. The big, oaky styles dominant through the 80s and 90s faded in favour of lead, acidic takes as a new millennium dawned. More recently winemakers have pursued a balance: bold and rich while still fresh. Let’s look at the evolution. 

Three chardonnay afficionados are ready to offer their insights: Giant Steps general manager and head winemaker Melanie Chester, Gentle Folk winemaker Gareth Belton and Shaw + Smith marketing manager (and former sommelier) Kavita Faiella. See why Australian chardonnay is among the world’s best, and consider how this staple of the national wine scene will continue making its mark.  

The prodigious Chester was the youngest ever scholar selected for the Len Evans Tutorial and is today chair of judges for the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards. She joined Giant Steps in 2021 following time at fellow Victorian labels Sutton Grange and Seppelt Great Western, bringing an ethos of tight, transparent winemaking that illuminates diversity of place. 

Belton farms eight hectares of organic, biodynamic vineyards across Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills, with the crisp, elegant Scary Gully chardonnay among highlights of its collection.  

Shaw + Smith also specialises in exceptional cool-climate wines. Faiella has global experience and is a judge for the Decanter World Wine Awards. 

Mull the journey to date for local chardonnay, tasting the most exciting releases with a trio passionate about this enduring variety.

INCLUSIONS –

• Beverages: twelve wines

MORE INFORMATION –

• Wheelchair accessible venue
• Age 18+ event

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