# Boutari Chardonnay (2021)

- **Producer:** Boutari
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Peloponnese, Greece
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €11
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Passed
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pineapple, pear, apple, lemon, butter, vanilla

## About this wine

The Boutari Chardonnay 2021 is a dry white wine from the Peloponnese region of Greece, specifically P.G.I. Arcadia. Produced by the historic Boutari winery, founded in 1879, this 100% Chardonnay wine represents the producer's dedication to quality and the promotion of Greek wines. The winery's long legacy is built on a respect for tradition and a commitment to showcasing the potential of Greek terroirs. The Peloponnese, a region with a deep winemaking heritage, provides a suitable environment for cultivating Chardonnay, contributing to the wine's character.

## Interesting facts

- Boutari has been recognized multiple times as 'Winery of the Year' by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
- The winery operates six estates across Greece, allowing for diverse grape varietal experimentation.
- The Peloponnese region is one of Greece's oldest and most significant wine-producing areas.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and subtle oak notes pair well with richer seafood and white meats. Its balanced acidity can cut through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty fish, while citrus and fruit notes complement lighter preparations.

## Wine making process

The Boutari Chardonnay 2021 is crafted from a carefully selected batch of Chardonnay grapes. The winemaking process begins with pre-fermentational extraction to maximize aromatic potential. Fermentation is initiated in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (18-20°C) and then transferred to oak casks to complete. During this period in oak, the wine undergoes lees stirring (bâtonnage) to enhance volume and texture. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for 4 to 5 months, using a combination of French (Allier, Nevers) and American oak. This meticulous approach aims to balance the varietal's fruit characteristics with the nuanced complexity imparted by oak aging.