The FAT bastard Chardonnay 2019 is a bright bottle of happiness in a year that otherwise started pretty dark.
Introduction
It’s no secret that I have written thousands of words about Chardonnay. Constantly trying to lure loved ones over to the Chardonnay side, I’ve become quite the ambassador for the varietal. Having never spared it a second thought, I’m being drawn to this beautifully complex and diverse wine expression as I get older.
“The only thing better than a glass of wine with wonderful colour and rich, round palate is another glass of the same wine.”
Wise words indeed from Mr. b, the grand-daddy golden hippo of FAT bastard wines. For me to write twice about the same wine, echoes Mr. b’s sentiments of moreish decadence. I wrote about the FAT bastard 2018 Chardonnay HERE and I’m about to write about their 2019 vintage, too.
It’s simple, really. When you love drinking a specific wine in jolly great gulps, you let the world know about it!
To read my review on the FAT bastard 2018 Chardonnay, click here!
Background
When Thierry and Guy first created these delicious wines, they did it with gusto. They poured their hearts, souls and great dollops of generosity into every bottle. In fact, it was a great big discovery (in wine-making terms) that led to the name ‘FAT bastard.’ It comes from having left the wine on the lees for a lot longer than usual, which allowed it to develop more fully and completely.
And when tasted, there was simply no other way to describe it other than: “Well, now that’s a FAT bastard!”. This tradition of creating full-bodied wines to be enjoyed with bellyfuls of laughs and good-natured cheer continues today. Our winemakers give nothing short of their all when meticulously nurturing them to perfection. Whether it’s a celebration, a kuier or a “COME ON OVER!”, there’s a FAT bastard (or two) waiting to be opened (https://www.fatbastardwine.co.za/).
FAT bastard Chardonnay 2019
A glass of Chardonnay as the day starts to get ready for bed is one of my greatest pleasures. I savour the last of the sun’s warmth as much as I do the evocative bouquet of a golden Chardonnay on the nose. It’s a moment I choose to linger consciously; and more often than not, I find myself in the company of FAT bastard.
Tasting notes: Expressive tropical fruit aromas intermingle with rich buttery notes and undertones of vanilla. The delicately spiced quality of vanilla is carried through on the palate, along with fragrant notes of acacia flower that present an added layer of complexity. The finish is bright and crisp, ending on an uplifting citrus finish.
In the vineyard: 100% Chardonnay
In the cellar: The juice was pressed while the grapes were still cool to help retain aroma and flavour. The wine was tank fermented with an element of quercus fragmentus which added greater weight and complexity. Oak Maturation: 30% for 4 months.
Cellar door price: approx. R95 per bottle
To read my review on the FAT bastard 2018 Chardonnay, click here!
The golden chicken dish
Maybe somewhat predictable, but I adore a bold chicken dish with Chardonnay. The gorgeous citrus finish on the FAT bastard 2019 Chardonnay made my mouth water, and I wanted to replicate that juiciness in a simple one-pan dish.
I also feel that Chardonnay loves lapping up roasty, caramelised flavours and warm spices, which made me think of my prego-lemon chicken bake. I had a bottle of my favourite locally made prego sauce in the cupboard, and that quickly formed the base of my dish. Generously rubbing the spatchcock chicken with olive oil and prego sauce, I lay it on a bed of lemon wedges, ready to be roasted until gnarly and crispy.
The slight char on the skin brings forward the rich caramelisation of the prego sauce, and the lemon wedges kept the chicken tender and moist throughout the roasting process.
Served straight from the dish, it needs no other accompaniments. Although a slice or two of sourdough bread to soak up the sauces won’t go amiss.
In conclusion
I have many happy memories of food and sunsets tied to FAT bastard‘s Chardonnay. I’m reminded to be present in every moment when I have a glass of FAT bastard in my hand. To live fully, to enjoy fully, to savour fully, to share fully. Mr. b would be proud of me.
Thank you, FAT bastard wines, for sharing your gorgeously gulpable wines with us and for spreading cheer one bottle at a time. Your no-compromise commitment to quality is definitely something to celebrate!
Disclaimer: I was given this product(s) as part of a press drop in exchange for my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated / credited, are also my own.
The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.
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