TASTING - HIGH TABLE CHARDONNAY

 

 

 

High Table Chardonnay

Varietal (100% Chardonnay).

Vin de France

2023

 $8.99 USD

 

"Pale straw yellow in color. On the nose the wine shows hints of ripe pear and tropical fruit. Medium plus body on the palate with notes of pear and oak. Shows a bit of MLF. Very long finish."  — Paul Santos

 

1. In my Wine Folly research, Chardonnay is a highly adaptable white grape known for its wide stylistic range (based on climate and winemaking techniques). In cooler climates, Chardonnay often displays crisp acidity and flavors of green apple, lemon, and wet stone. In warmer climates—like parts of southern France—Chardonnay can take on riper fruit characteristics such as peach, melon, and tropical notes, especially when oak aging or malolactic fermentation is used to add richness and texture. (Wine Folly – The Comprehensive Guide to Chardonnay).

2. My Chardonnay is labeled as Vin de France, meaning it may come from various regions across the country. Often, favoring warmer growing zones that produce fruit-forward, accessible wines. Wines like this tend to highlight soft orchard and stone fruit flavors, with moderate acidity and a smooth, easy-drinking style. These wines may or may not see oak, but typically reflect the classic French approach to balance—offering freshness alongside subtle richness. (Wine Folly – French Wine Regions Overview).

 

 Personal Review

I recently tasted the 2023 High Table Chardonnay from Vin de France, and it turned out to be a pleasant and easygoing wine. I definitely picked up soft aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple, and a melon as other reviewers may talk about. There was a subtle floral note as well—nothing overpowering, but enough to make the nose feel delicate and inviting. It didn’t have any noticeable oak influence, which kept the fruit characteristics fresh and clean. Despite being cheap, this compared to the other expensive Chardonnay's I have had (despite this one being from France).

On the palate, the wine was medium-bodied with a smooth, rounded texture. It had a soft, almost creamy mouthfeel, but still held onto some freshness thanks to its moderate acidity. The flavors echoed what I smelled—apple, pear, and a hint of stone fruit—blended together in a gentle, approachable way. I would like it as an everyday table wine.

The finish was light and clean, fading gradually with a faint mineral note. It didn’t linger too long, which actually made it a good sipping wine—something I could easily enjoy on its own or with simple meals.

 I did not pair this with food.