In Episode 4 of the "Wine Matters" podcast, hosts Wendy Laureti and Deb Szabo dive into the world of Chardonnay, exploring the reasons behind Wendy's conversion from an "anything but Chardonnay" (ABC) drinker to an "always pour Chardonnay" (APC) enthusiast.

The hosts emphasise the podcast's mission to share the joy of wine, with Wendy being an accidental winery owner at Saddler's Creek Wines. Wendy expresses her love for learning about wine and invites listeners to join her on the journey of discovery.

The episode covers various aspects of Chardonnay, including its diversity, food pairings, winemaking techniques, and the impact of factors like oak maturation and fermentation methods. Deb sheds light on the influence of regional variations, highlighting how the grape's characteristics change based on the climate of its growth from cool climate Tumbarumba to riper styles grown in the Hunter Valley.

Throughout the discussion, the hosts share personal experiences and preferences, touching on the significance of temperature, the role of oak in Chardonnay, and the wide range of styles available. They stress the importance of experimenting with different Chardonnays to discover individual preferences.

Deb provides insights into the winemaking process, explaining techniques like malolactic fermentation and battonage. The hosts also discuss the influence of bottle color on perception and briefly touch on the global popularity of Chardonnay.

The episode concludes with Wendy sharing her journey from initially disliking Chardonnay to becoming a devoted fan, emphasizing the impact of education and exploration on changing one's palate. Overall, the episode celebrates the diversity and complexity of Chardonnay, encouraging listeners to explore and appreciate this versatile wine.

https://saddlerscreek.com/podcast/