Chardonel

[Innkeeper]

Does anyone out there (particularly you mid-westerners) know any sources of decent dry Chardonel? It is a hybred of Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc.

[Bucko]

Hee, hee.... you little jokemeister you!

Bucko

[mrdutton]

WELL ON THE SERIOUS SIDE:

CHARDONEL:
Recommended frost-hardy French-American hybrid cross released in 1990 and descended from the Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay varieties. Planting has been limited in the face of success with Chardonnay in the eastern and mid-west regions of the U.S. Noted for superior cold-resistant properties since its release from W. New York's Geneva Research Station. Requires good locations (low tolerance of poorly drained soils) with long growing season. Ripens later than its vinifera parent, usually early to mid-October. Used to make quite popular white tablewine in Arkansas, Michigan and Missouri. Recently found to be susceptible to crown gall in wet spots and, in Virginia, to damage by grape root borers.

AND THEN A LIGHTER NOTE:

And my neighbor in New London, Connecticut used to make tomato wine. It was decent when drunk young, after a few shots of Jack Daniels............

[hotwine]

Can't resist......
A few shots of Jack Black will make just about anything seem pretty decent......

[Thomas]

I didn't realize Chardonel was a Fr-Am hybrid--always thought it was developed at Geneva Experiment Station, which would make it an American hybrid.

The only one I ever tasted was one of the station's experimental wines--nothing to write home about, or to write about on this board.

But can anyone answer Innkeeper's question?

[Bucko]

Foodie, the operative word here is *decent.*

Bucko

[Innkeeper]

Found one! It is the 1998 Mount Pleasant Winery, Chardonel. They are located in Augusta, MO and can be reached at: 1-800-467-WINE, or mailto@MountPleasantWinery.com . The wine will be released next month. They sent us the following message:

Subject: '98 Chardonel. "It will be released on June 17 as part of our 20th anniversary celebration of America's First Viticultural Area, Appellation Augusta. Winemaker Mark Baehmann and Vineyard Manager Scott Toedebusch will be available to
autograph bottles from 11:00 a.m. (Open) until 1:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m. we will honor Scott for his many years of vineyard care and follow with two free concerts on the patio, Javier Mendoza and Soulard Blues Band. Hope you can plan to join us!"

The question still to be answered is, is it "decent."

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 05-18-2000).]

[Thomas]

Do let us know the answer.

[Innkeeper]

Well the Chardonel arrived today. Since it came from halfway across the country, it will rest for a week. Will report back then, and will be sure to comment on its "decency." Know that Winoweenie can hardly wait; at least his "child bride" might be interested.

[winoweenie]

Innkeeper, Please call me collect if this marvelous find falls into any of Castra`s scores above 3 1/2. Wow!! How the devil long can a breath be Bated? Winoweenie

[mrdutton]

Methinks the breath be a'bated..... kind sir.

Innkeeper are you gonna keep any around until August?

[Innkeeper]

Well, here's the rundown. We opened the first one a little short of a week at home. It was consumed sans anything. The reaction from both of us was the same. It was like a very light Chardonnay, un Oakey, un Maled. Still, quite acceptable. Tonight, we had another with simply sauteed, boned, and skinned, chicken breast with the pan deglazed with brandy; salad; and local strawberries with whipped cream. The additional rest, and the food, gave us a much better reaction. The description above is still the best, but it is a "decent" wine. It is more like Chardonnay that the other parent, Seyval Blanc, and is much preferable to Sauvignon Blanc (according to mother). However, it is an entity to itself. Give it a shot, after a two week rest.



[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 06-23-2000).]

[Innkeeper]

Well we are now upgrading it from decent to pretty darn good. Brought it to a picnic for our youngest daughter's 30th birthday, held at Sabbaday Falls in the White Mountains. Had all kids, grandkids, et al there. Food consisted of Circassian Chicken, potato salad, and fixings. The Chardonel showed very well with same.