I first came across Fair Valley wines several years ago and was hooked on their Chenin Blanc. By one mistake in where the bottles were placed one day, I actually had their Sauvignon Blanc before I started appreciating Sauvignon Blanc. This time around, I saw their Chardonnay and had to pick it up.

To give you some background, Fair Valley is a winery run by Black South Africans that was given to them by a larger winery. Essentially, the white owners gave the Black employees a part of the land, and what not, to start their own label. And they have producing good wines ever since.

The wine itself has tropical hints and a lovely smooth citrus undercurrent. I want to say that I can taste some pineapple mixed with papaya riding a nice little slice of lemon nestled up to a slice of lime. This wine is very fresh, without the oak or butter of some California and other traditional Chards.

This wine should be great with just about everything, and I had it with a lovely salad and some chicken... yes, the chicken was fried but without any flour on it.