Riverina Estate - 2009 Chardonnay

The Riverina Region of Southeast Australia accounts for 15% of all the country's wine production a year. Although it is a hot and dry region, wine production was started here around the early 1900's, and really found its mark in the 1950's when the area became a haven for Italian descendants. The wines followed suit, and to this day, rival some of Italy's best vintages.

This week's favorite: 2009 Riverina Estate Chardonnay
$8-12, online or through large wine suppliers

This Chardonnay was remarkably similar to the homemade white wines found during my travels to Italy. Unlike the buttery and fruity Australian Chardonnay wines we find so often, this one was bright, with flavors of apple and pear. It is dry and crisp, and very refreshing, very much like an Italian white table wine.

We served this wine with light appetizers at a cocktail party. It was delicious with the spinach and cheese puff pastries, fruit salad, and tomato caprese. Enjoy!