De Bortoli Wines – one of Australia’s most successful family wine companies – was founded in 1928 by Italian immigrants, Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli. Their son, the energetic and dynamic Deen De Bortoli, expanded and consolidated the business, creating a reputation for premium wines that his children now proudly perpetuate. Their DB Chardonnay leads with rich aromas of stone fruits and a hint of nutty oak. Enhanced by lees-stirring, the wine feels round and smooth on the palate, yet its crisp and lively finish shows how fruit and acidity ideally should be conjoined to make a well-made wine. Yes, it’s good on its own; however, we thought immediately of summer salads of chicken, celery, white grapes and walnuts – with a dressing of curried mayonnaise and white balsamic vinegar.