BK Wines “Swaby” Chardonnay

ADELAIDE HILLS, AUSTRALIA |  2021

If there were ever a Chardonnay with attitude, it’s BK Wines’ “Swaby.” Founded in 2007 by husband & wife team Brendon and Kirstyn Keys, BK Wines has always been about creating art. These wines are very expressive and a bit wild. Nestled deep in the Adelaide Hills surrounded by native bushland, koalas, and an orchestra of birdlife, their small winery captures everything that makes this region special. Brendon is also an acclaimed minimalist painter which translates into his winemaking: sourcing all of his fruit from small, sustainable vineyards, he prefers to let the fruit speak for itself and not overindulge in the cellar.

The 2021 Swaby is a powerhouse from the Piccadilly Valley which is one of the coolest and most prestigious pockets of the Adelaide Hills. This Chardonnay isn’t introverted. It can easily jump out of the glass with liveliness and complexity but is not dense or heavy despite its multi-faceted character. It’s layered with stone fruit, spice, and a svelte pithy texture that keeps everything taut and alive. That structure and richness make it a dream pairing for Thanksgiving cutting beautifully through buttery mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and stuffing while harmonizing perfectly with roasted turkey or other richly prepared poultry.

What I love about BK is that their wines don’t try to impress, they just do. It’s vegan, unfiltered, unfined, and a pure expression of Australian Chardonnay from start to finish. Even if you don’t open it for Thanksgiving, you’ll thank us for choosing this wine to accompany any meal you decide to pair with.