Zonte’s Footstep Apple Betty Chardonnay 2025
- 92
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2032
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The team have named this wine after the much-loved apple dessert, sometimes known as apple cobbler or crumble, and have even gone so far as to include quotes from Mark Twain in the marketing for it, for justification. In doing so, they have headed down a path that I for one would fear to tread. No matter. This is an excellent Adelaide Hills Chardonnay and whilst I can’t honestly say that the first thing that popped into my head was an apple dessert, nor would I be looking to pair it with one, it is a thoroughly enjoyable wine. Shimmering yellow in colour, on the nose we have aromas of stone fruits, nectarines, peaches and apricot skins, along with a touch of cashewy oak. The structure is seamless and there is good intensity throughout. A wine of excellent balance and focus which should provide pleasure for at least the next five to six years. It would make an excellent match for a range of dishes, provided that none of them are named Apple Betty. I’d try seafood.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
