Pair complex white port with the Pear and Date Crumble

Azure white port from Wild Sun Winery is an ideal match for the spiced fruit at the base of the Pear and Date Crumble I made for our StilL 630 episode. The unique and rare Azure is a small batch white port made from the Chardonel grape and offers flavors of sweet pears and apple, both of which are used in the recipe. Fortified with grape brandy and stainless steel aged, this port works well as an aperitif or dessert wine.

Chardonel is a cross between Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. The grape was developed at Cornell AgriTech (New York State Agricultural Experiment Station) in 1953 and the varietal was released in 1990. 

It is a late ripening white wine grape that produces a high-quality and full-bodied wine and is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with high productivity. The grape’s cold hardiness is superior to its acclaimed parent, Chardonnay. This wine can be fermented in oak or stainless-steel barrels. Chardonel is celebrated during the month of April. 

  • Pronunciation: shar-doe-nel

  • Acres in Missouri: 7.2% - 195.5 acres

  • Flavors or tasting notes: Pear, apple, apricot, and oaky if aged in barrels

  • Taste profile: Full-bodied, rich, complex and crisp

  • Ideal serving temperature: 44-55°F

  • Food pairings: Creamy white cheeses, grilled chicken and fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta & cream sauce, vanilla cake, banana bread and apple dishes

Catherine Neville