2017 Penman Family Riverina Australia Chardonnay

Situated in the southwest quadrant of New South Wales, Riverina is the country’s second-largest winegrowing region. Its vast vineyard plantings are made possible by modern drip irrigation, in combination with a favorable climate.

Numerous family-owned wine estates dot the landscape, and the Penman Family line of wines is produced by one such family. The specialty of the house is Chardonnay, which is crafted in a fruit-forward style — a style that defines Down Under Chardonnay — which also exudes floral and sweet-spice notes.

The 2017 vintage is quite expressive, with oak and those engaging spice notes complementing the fruit impressions. It’s a satisfying quaffing wine, and doubles as a sublime companion to food. Among the pairing possibilities are Maryland blue claw crab cakes, roasted chicken, turkey and even some mushroom-based dishes. It’s a family-made wine that’s ideal for serving at family gatherings.