Domaine des Homs Chardonnay 23

Chardonnay is one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties across the globe, flourishing in vineyards from California's sun-soaked valleys to the cool climates of Burgundy. Its global prevalence is a testament to Chardonnay's remarkable adaptability and uncanny ability to translate terroir seamlessly.

For vignerons, Chardonnay serves as a blank slate that eagerly takes on the character of the local terroir and faithfully amplifies the winemaker's technique and touch. Much like how chicken provides chefs with a flexible foundation for culinary creativity, Chardonnay offers winemakers a vinous canvas to craft anything from crisp, mineral-driven expressions all the way to buttery-rich, oak-influenced examples.

This varietal doesn't just accept its surroundings and the touch of the vigneron; it fully embraces them, jumping in with both feet, yielding wines that uniquely reflect their origins.

The Minervois AOC is one of my favorite sub-regions in the Languedoc. There's an amazing history and culture of winemaking here that dates back to Roman times. Known predominantly for its robust reds made from Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, an increasing number of white varietals also seem to enjoy the rugged terroir and Mediterranean climate.

The wealth of ancient soils and varied microclimates also make select areas of the Minervois a fine home for growing Chardonnay. While Chardonnay isn't typically among the flagship grapes of Minervois, innovative winemakers in the region are indeed busy exploring its potential.

Nestled between the cities of Narbonne and Carcassonne in the Languedoc's Minervois, Domaine des Homs is a shining example of the region's best practices in traditional viticulture and winemaking. Jean-Marc and Anne De Crozals manage this 20-hectare estate with a firm commitment to organic viticulture and winemaking, and the estate has been certified since 2009. 

Adding a special sparkle to this wine's local-global journey from vine to glass, I'm thrilled to note that our friend and former AWM staff member, Kate Stamps, imports Domaine des Homs's wines. Her passion for connecting exceptional examples of our favorite beverage with Western North Carolina wine lovers is textbook local-global collaboration.

In your glass, Domaine des Homs Chardonnay greets you with inviting aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and a hint of citrus blossom. Sip after sip presents the harmonious balance of ripe fruit and gentle lift, finishing with notes of orchard fruits, crushed white flowers, and a delicately cleansing minerality.

This Chardonnay is a terrific partner for casual nibbles and will be right at home at your next dinner party. Favorite classic Chardonnay pairings include grilled seafood, roasted poultry, or creamy risotto. If you're feeling adventurous, try it with sushi rolls, tangy goat cheese and yellow beet salad, or even mildly-spiced Thai green curry.