Aussie Chardonnay Shines Bright on the Global Stage
The Australian wine industry is experiencing a quiet but significant shift. While overall export volumes might be trending downwards, a new wave of opportunity is emerging in previously untapped markets. Savvy Australian winemakers are finding success by offering contemporary, food-friendly red and white wines to appreciative international palates.
This resurgence is particularly evident in the success of Australian Chardonnay. Once a staple export, the market dynamics have changed. While sales to China, a former powerhouse for Australian wine, have significantly diminished, other nations are stepping up to fill the void. Countries like Canada, Malaysia, and even consumers in the Caribbean are developing a taste for Australian viticultural elegance.
A prime example of this global reach is Zonte’s Footstep, a boutique South Australian winery. This dynamic producer has carved out substantial openings in markets such as Canada, Singapore, and the Netherlands. In fact, an impressive 60 per cent of Zonte’s Footstep’s production is now destined for discerning international consumers eager to explore the new generation of Australian wine styles.
The winery’s most exported white wine, the Zonte’s Apple Betty Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, exemplifies this trend. Its success lies in its ability to connect with knowledgeable wine enthusiasts who appreciate varietals that resonate with modern tastes. Brad Rey, Zonte’s vigneron and a Canadian transplant to Australia over 25 years ago, explains the philosophy behind their approach.
“We like to say we’re like an 18ft skiff fighting the aircraft carriers in the Australian industry, but still we don’t really tend to go away from picking brighter, crunchier, fruit-expressive styles,” Rey remarks. This focus on fruit-forward expressions, achieved through picking at lower pH levels and higher acidity, results in wines that require less oak influence. This, in turn, allows the wines to retain their freshness and longevity, making them exceptionally food-friendly.
Rey is passionate about showcasing the depth and history of Australian winemaking to a global audience. “At the end of the day, as someone from the northern hemisphere, I’m really passionate about educating the world about the diversity and the history of what we’ve done in Australia from a wine point of view,” he states. He believes Australian wines possess a unique personality, reflecting the intrinsic relationship between the soil and the grape varietal. His winemaking approach centres on nurturing this inherent character rather than forcing it into a preconceived mould. “I want to make a more drinkable, balanced and expressive style of wine,” he concludes.
This philosophy is beautifully captured in the Zonte’s Footstep Apple Betty Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2024. Even as summer fades, its aroma evokes lingering warmth with notes of peach, melon, and apple pie, subtly underscored by hints of vanilla and nougat. The palate lives up to its name, bursting with ripe pink lady apple flavours, complemented by a touch of oak and a whisper of vanilla and spice, all brought together by a crisp acidity. This wine was awarded 94 points by Winepilot and has an alcohol content of 12.5%. It retails at $35 per bottle but is available for special pricing.
A Stellar Chardonnay Selection
To celebrate the success of Australian Chardonnay on the world stage, The Australian Wine Club has curated a special offer featuring a dozen exceptional Chardonnays. This exclusive collection showcases four outstanding examples, each offering a unique expression of the varietal and its terroir.
Zonte’s Footstep Apple Betty Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2024:
- Tasting Notes: As described above, this wine offers a delightful bouquet of peach, melon, and apple pie with hints of vanilla and nougat, leading to a palate brimming with pink lady apple, subtle oak, and a crisp finish.
- Accolades: 94 points, Winepilot.
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- RRP: $35 per bottle
- Special Offer: $31.99 per bottle in any mixed dozen; $27.99 per bottle in the chardonnay dozen.
Josef Chromy Marchington Tasmania Chardonnay 2024:
- Tasting Notes: This elegant Chardonnay presents a pale straw hue, hinting at a delicate nose of stone fruits like yellow nectarine and apricot, subtle floral notes, and a touch of tropicality as it warms. The palate is textured with more overt fruit flavours of citrus and pineapple, balanced by a steely acidity and a long, satisfying finish.
- Serving Suggestion: Perfectly paired with fresh Bruny Island oysters for a taste of local delight.
- Alcohol: 13%
- RRP: $40 per bottle
- Special Offer: $35.99 per bottle in any mixed dozen; $27.99 per bottle in the chardonnay dozen.
Bleasdale Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2024:
- Tasting Notes: Prepare for an aromatic embrace with luscious, almost tinglingly fresh scents. Notes of vanilla ice cream and sweet lemon sorbet mingle with herbaceous undertones and white pepper. The palate is rich and decadent, featuring creamy oak, flavours of nectarine and cashew, and a superbly fresh acidity.
- Accolades: 92 points, Halliday Wine Companion.
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- RRP: $39 per bottle
- Special Offer: $34.99 per bottle in any mixed dozen; $27.99 per bottle in the chardonnay dozen.
Coppabella Sirius Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2022:
- Tasting Notes: Hailing from the cool climate of Tumbarumba, this Chardonnay exhibits poise and sophistication. The nose is refined, offering notes of green apple, nectarine, and cashew. The palate is defined by crisp acidity, balanced with flavours of grilled peach, pineapple, and a nutty complexity.
- Accolades: 94 points, Halliday Wine Companion.
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- RRP: $45 per bottle
- Special Offer: $38.99 per bottle in any mixed dozen; $27.99 per bottle in the chardonnay dozen.
Exclusive Chardonnay Dozen Offer
For a limited time, you can purchase a dozen of these exceptional Australian Chardonnays – three bottles of each wine – for just $27.99 per bottle. This special offer represents a significant saving of $141 on the total RRP.
To take advantage of this offer, visit the Australian Wine Club online or call 1300 765 359 between Monday and Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST. Please quote ‘ACCJ’ when ordering. These deals are available while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550.
