Williamson Wines - Chantilly Chardonnay

Chantilly, from the Estate's second Chardonnay vineyard, is Bill's focus on the light gold colored old-world Chablis wines.

Chantilly, a single-varietal wine from a single-vineyard more than 40 years old, is inviting with its flirtatious acidity behind flavors of white peach and honey and just touch of mineral with a subtle fruity finish.

Outside of France the word "Chablis" has often been used to describe almost any white wine but in reality all great Chablis is made 100% from the Chardonnay grape.

Believing that Chardonnay should always be fine in both texture and structure, Bill made his Amourette Chardonnay in the delicate Montrachet style and then in 2006 he turned his attention to Chablis to develop Chantilly his second superb French-style Chardonnay to bring acidity and elegance to the same glass.

Chablis, pronounced Shab-li, is the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region in France.

The cool climate of this region produces wines with more acidity and flavors less fruity than Chardonnay wines grown in warmer climates. Some years ago Dawn and Bill visited France to review the wines and traditional winemaking techniques of the Chablis region.

They had the great fortune to taste the Chablis Premier Cru 'Montée de Tonnerre' Vieilles Vignes courtesy of owner and winemaker Marie-Ange Robin.

Bill believes that Chablis allows the chardonnay to express itself like nowhere else in the world because the calcium soil and cooler climate combined with the traditionally simple style of winemaking tends to produce complex aromatic wines with smooth texture and a pronounced mineral core.

So how do we produce French Chablis in California?

It all starts with the practice of sustainable farming, avoiding chemical treatments and following organic practices as much as weather conditions allow. Some 80% of the estate’s vineyards are planted with older vines and our Chablis vineyard grows the famous Clone 4 planted over forty years ago.

The grapes are harvested by hand, then pressed and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and in older French oak barrels. Chantilly is aged in mostly older neutral French oak barrels for one year, with approximately 10% new barrels per vintage then bottled un-fined and unfiltered.

Using neutral barrels does not impart the characteristic oak flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, toast, coconut, etc., that today are associated with California Chardonnays so Chantilly retains vibrant, elegant acidity in the bouquet, a little "steel" in the center palate and flavor complexity that simultaneously offers intrigue and pleasure.

Chantilly ~ Bill made Chantilly [shan-til'-ee] especially for Dawn. The name refers to a town in France where fine lace is made for wedding veils and also refers to sweetened whipped cream, so Bill made Chantilly for "his sweet bride".

Apple, Bacon & Onion Flatbread

Sweet caramelized onions and apples, smokey bacon and creamy Fromage Blanc on a naan flatbread. This caramelized onion, apple and bacon flatbread pizza is a delicious meal or appetizer for the thin crust pizza lover.

Arancini Di Riso - Risotto Balls with Saffron Tomato Cream Sauce

These crisp little risotto croquettes are called arancini because they resemble "little oranges" and they are amazing. The texture is awesome, crunchy on the outside, then perfectly rich and creamy inside and flavor-wise, they are off-the-charts delicious.

Asian Influenced Seared Salmon

Salmon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals and some studies suggest it may help reduce the chance of developing heart disease and Alzheimers. Salmon is easy to prepare, Its mild, sweet flavor and smooth, buttery texture of salmon make it easy to eat often so marinades and glazes will give salmon dishes diversity.

Bagel Avocado Toast

Don’t always keep bagels in the house? Who does? - but we always have bread, so this avocado toast is perfect for when you are craving a bagel, and you get the best of both worlds, a bagel and avocado toast!

BBQ Spiced Chicken Breast

A few simple ingredients to quickly produce delicious spicy chicken breasts!

Beurre Blanc Sauce with VerJus

Beurre blanc, or white butter, is a classic and delicious French wine and butter sauce. Versatile and simple to make, beurre blanc has a light texture and rich flavor that goes great with different types of seafood. A fantastic sauce to really dress up shrimp, seared scallops, pork or roasted chicken.

Braised Chicken Thighs in Curry and Yogurt

A good curry is warming and satisfying and this particular recipe melds flavors that would lead you to believe that the dish has been simmering for hours. Actually, the whole thing takes a little over a half hour to make, ending in a creamy curry rich with the tang of Greek-style yogurt, a truly flavorful dish, mildly spicy, with just enough heat to add interest.

Buttermilk Chicken

Buttermilk fried chicken wings and drumsticks - one of those personal-pleasure recipes that delivers tender, juicy meat and a delightfully crunchy, golden-brown crust.

Carrot Soup with Crab Meat

This elegant carrot soup could be prepared ahead of time, then reheated with the crab meat prepared just before serving. The crab meat will be soft and flaky but if you prefer more substance in the meat you may substitute lobster or chopped cooked shrimp instead of the crab.

Cauliflower Soup with Turmeric

Cauliflower Soup, it’s brothy, savory, creamy and delicious. It makes a gentle start to a heavier meal, or serve it with crusty bread for a light dinner.

Champagne Battered Cauliflower Fritters with Amchur Sauce

The Champagne is light and fizzy and using it in the batter makes these fritters light, crunchy and delicious and the sweet and sour combination of the Amchur mango chutney sauce plays well, especially paired with a Williamson Chardonnay

Chardonnay Chicken Legs with Marjoram

The pungent marjoram in the creamy sauce for this crisp-skinned chicken might seem like it would overwhelm the delicate Chardonnay flavors but our lightly oaked Chardonnay can stand up to foods with strong flavors like fresh herbs.

Chicken & Creamy Garlic Sauce

An easy and very tasty way to perk up your mid-week menu. The sauce is to die for, very creamy and a sure win for garlic lovers.

Chicken Biryani

This is a delicious rice dish often reserved for very special occasions such as weddings. It normally has a lengthy preparation, but the pre-mixed Herbie's Spices take a lot of the work out of the preparation and the result is definitely worthwhile.

Chicken Breast, Boneless & Skinless

This method takes some trust, but it works flawlessly every single time.

Chicken Casserole

A chicken casserole that’s cheesy, filling, and healthy.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu is a French term literally translated as “blue ribbon”. It is used as a measure of cooking excellence and has also been applied to this dish of breaded and sautéed chicken, ham and Swiss cheese.

Chicken Scaloppini Salad

Recipe thanks to our friend Chef Todd Muir for Chicken Scaloppini Salad. Chef Muir cooked at the famed Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, and spent 14 years as Executive chef at Madrona Manor in Healdsburg.

Clam Chowder

A bowl of creamy comfort that brings memories of summertime ,vacations and happiness, shared with friends and family.

Filet Mignon with Dijonnaise

Tender meat, dripping in melting cream-sweet, honey-soft Dijonnaise that contrasts but complements the meat in flavor and texture.

French Mustard Chicken

Classic French dish for an easy and fast weeknight meal that tastes outstanding.

Frittata of Asparagus & Smoked Salmon

A frittata is an egg-based dish similar to an omelette or quiche, enriched with additional ingredients and sliced to serve guests. It may be served hot or cold, accompanied by fresh salads, bread, beans, olives, etc.

Gazpacho Verde

Made from Honeydew melon this is a variation on a simple recipe that also receives a lift from the spiced prawns and a great finish from the yogurt and Chardonnay. It's great for a hot summer day, and is a refreshing change from regular gazpacho as our Amourette or Chantilly Chardonnay reveals the prawns.

Grilled Salmon, Mustard Dill Glaze

This glaze will compliment rather than overwhelm the salmon. Pair this dish with fresh, grilled asparagus for a complete meal. The Chardonnay will bring the pure salmon flavor to the surface in the mouth as a pleasant surprise.

Herb Butter Roast Chicken

Nothing beats an easy to prepare roast chicken! Especially when roasted with garlic, butter, and our special Chicken BBQ and Roast Rub.

Holiday Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

Holidays do not have to be a lot of work. This super quick and easy dish is a standard for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner, but it’s a perfect side dish for any meal, any time of the year.

Hot Crab Cakes

The secret to crab cakes is to use mostly crab and not filler. These cakes have some heat to deliver a little "kick" as you enjoy them.

Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken with Caper Cream Sauce

The ultimate in gourmet comfort food with lemon and herb pepper, garlic and a creamy lemon sauce, this creamy Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken with Caper Cream Sauce is out of this world.

Lemon Garlic Cabbage Sauté

Sautéed cabbage with fresh lemon, scallions and garlic - This easy, healthy recipe is simple, quick and delicious!

Lemon Herb Salmon Slider

Give your salmon sliders a really summer feel with lemon and herbs - healthy and yummy!

Mashed Cauliflower

Creamy, buttery Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic, Sour Cream and Parmesan. Low carb, Keto approved and tastes just as good as regular Mashed Potatoes. Just the right ingredients to take from bland to mouthwatering Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!

Mediterranean Fillo Triangles

Surprise your special someone with a dinner of just appetizers. This is how they regularly eat in Spain (they call the dishes tapas). For dinner you have little plates of lots of different kinds of foods. Everything is just one or two bites and you share. Break out a bottle of wine and have some fun with it.

Moroccan Chicken, Apricot and Olive Relish

One of the advantages of cooking our recipes is that you will experience dishes and flavors you may never have otherwise tried. Perhaps something that would challenge your palate, something with bold new flavors never tried before. This chicken, apricots and olives qualifies as a delicious change of taste.

Pan Roasted Salmon with Spiced Cream Sauce

A delicious combination of fresh seafood, pure ingredients and dynamic spices combining to make a mouth-watering dish you will want to make over and over.

Pan Roasted Salmon, Dukkah & Beet Creme Fraiche

Tender fresh salmon fillets, pan-roasted with DawnzNutz roasted mixture including coriander seed, nuts, cumin seeds, salt and black pepper, complemented with the creme fraiche, beetroot powder and lemon juice that stud each creamy bite. A simple stunner, easy on the eyes and the heart.

Pasta Al Limone

A combination of lemon zest and juice gives this dish a beautiful citrus flavor contrasting the classic buttery pasta. The thinly sliced zest adds a bright contrast to the rich sauce.

Pear Salad, Laura Chenel Chèvre & Citrus Dressing

Laura Chenel is the recognized "pioneer" of American goat cheese production. Goat cheese has the advantage of being higher in protein and lower in fat than cow’s milk cheese. It can be consumed by those who are lactose intolerant due to the difference in size of the fat molecules in goat cheese. In 2006 Laura sold to the Rians Group, a French artisan cheese corporation with a commitment to the same level of quality and artisan production Laura herself held. This recipe is our salute to Laura.

Poached Salmon in Olive Oil and Fresh Horseradish

To balance the lush and earthy flavors of this silky olive oil-poached salmon with a hot, fragrant horseradish broth pair with our Amourette Chardonnay.

Poached Salmon, Olive Oil & Horseradish

A beautiful smooth olive oil-poached salmon with a hot, fragrant horseradish broth which pairs perfectly with our Amourette Chardonnay. The vegetables, leeks and carrots can easily be accented with peas and asparagus.

Poached Shrimp with Australian Spiced Remoulade

Poached shrimp with homemade remoulade sauce is so easy to make and is delicious - Yum!

Potato Leek Potage with Mushrooms & Chives

This creamy, savory soup recipe, loosely based on the great Julia Child’s Potage Parmentier is more classically known as Potato Leek soup. We use the addition of carrots, mushrooms, and chives to add more depth of flavor and unique textures to this classic dish perfect with our Chantilly Chardonnay.

Rack of Lamb with Rosemary and Mustard Cream

Rack of Lamb is a dish that originates in 15th century England. This cut of lamb rib chops is usually served during special occasions such as a wedding or holiday celebration. A rack of lamb is the lamb equivalent to prime rib of beef, tender and full of flavor.

Roast Turkey, Shallots & Thyme

Simple, perfect roast turkey just like Grandmother used to make. Seasoned and basted, the flavors of the turkey really stand out. Stuff with your favorite dressing. If you're diligent about basting this bird near the end of roasting, you'll end up with moist, golden results.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Brioche Croutons and Creme Fraiche

Salmon or Trout Fillet Salad

This makes a perfect summer entree or light lunch. Using our Aussie Fish Seasoning is a great way of bringing subtle highlights of flavour without overpowering a good quality fish such as salmon or trout.

Salmon Phyllo Pie

This moist tender Salmon Phyllo Pie is a pastry treat with a smooth creamy dill sauce.

Sautéed Sea Scallops with Joy Butter Sauce

This is a very elegant entrée for serving at a dinner party or just a night at home. Scallops have a wonderful buttery flavor. The sauce contains butter and wine which complements the dish and wine nicely.

Scallops with Tarragon Butter Sauce

You just can't go wrong with scallops in a white-wine butter sauce, and tarragon makes it all the better.

Seafood Pasta Saffron Cream

Easy to make this decadent seafood pasta brings the briny yet sweet flavors of bay scallops, clams, debearded mussels and shrimp together with the heady aroma of saffron all simmered in a rich and buttery cream sauce.

Shrimp Tacos

This sumptuous looking tacos recipe, simple and easy to cook, is a treat for your eye and your stomach.

Shrimp Tacos with Spiced Mango Salsa

Discover this tasty and easy to prepare Shrimp Taco recipe that uses our Herbie's Spice Tonic and pairs so nicely with our Chantilly Chardonnay.

Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese

Crunchy Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Log delicious with crackers.

Smoked Salmon Filo Cups with Black Lime

Easy to make and delicious, these delicate canapés are the perfect accompaniment to Fizz or many of our dry white wines.

Watch Chef prepare is dishj

Spice Crusted Petrale Sole

Fresh, wild-caught fish is most delicious when it’s prepared with great ingredients, so we used Herbie's Amok Spice Mix for a WOW factor!

Spice Crusted Sole with Yogurt Sauce

Dress up simple white fish with a set of aromatic spices that do not add heat so a delicate wine will be a great accompaniment.

Spiced & Brined Turkey

Brining keeps the turkey moist and juicy during roasting because the brine salt helps the turkey tissue to absorb water and flavorings resulting in a tender bird. You will need a container large enough to submerge the turkey but small enough to fit in the refrigerator. Alternatively, instead of a 20lb bird, use two 10lb birds.

Swordfish Bok Choy

Grilling brings out the sweetness of bok choy, making it a terrific match for swordfish steaks. This is a easy dish to prepare and will provide plenty of filling yet healthy food to pair with our Chardonnay, Roussanne or Sauvignon Blanc..

Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a perfect dish for fish but can also be made using chicken leftovers as well as the remainder of the Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay that you did not drink last night.

Thai Green Shrimp Curry

Thai Green Shrimp Curry is a creamy, smooth curry that is a lighter, mild curry, very popular in Thailand and best enjoyed with a bowl of Jasmine rice.

Tuna Croquettes

Old fashioned Tuna Croquettes is a quick and easy recipe. A great idea for a comfort food meal in a hurry. While you can guess that the name Tuna Croquettes doesn't sing but a plate full of these (tuna as an improvisation of) "crab cakes" will be great with either the condiments and wines we have suggested.

Warm Green Salad, Pears, Brie & Bacon Vinaigrette

What could be better that pears, brie, bacon and a salad? Put it all together while warm and its fantastic with our Chardonnay.

Zucchini Fritters

These zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and light and tender in the middle. Lemon zest makes them nice and bright, while scallions, garlic, and dill give them a kick of savory flavor.

DawnzNutz

A sensational blend of almonds, hazelnuts, cumin and coriander!

Beehive ~ Trufflehive

Rubbed with a blend of black tea and pure bergamot oil this is a unique, delicious cheese!

Chipotle Honey Chevre

Chipotle Honey Chèvre

Delice de Bourgogne

Délice de Bourgogne is a cow's milk cheese from the Burgundy region of France

La Tur

Nestled in its ruffled paper doily, a petite round of La Tur looks like a fragile pastry in its own little paper cup. One luscious taste and you know you have a cheese that can truly stand in for dessert. La Tur provides a kind of sensory experience l