There is no doubt that Chardonnay is synonymous with white wine among many consumers. There are thousands of standout examples of Chardonnay around the world, including rich, buttery Napa Valley bottles, age-worthy white Burgundies, and even rose. However, Chardonnay's abundance makes it simple to overlook just how great it can be — frequently, at an excellent value. This popularity and wide recognition has come at a cost. Check out our Chardonnay wine guide below to truly appreciate everything the grape is capable of.
Chardonnay Defined
A popular white grape variety planted all over the world is chardonnay. It has an almost extraordinary capacity to convey both the character of the growing region and the winemaker's style. As a result, Chardonnay can have a wide range of flavours, from crisp and invigorating to velvety and rich. Even Champagne is made mostly from grapes of this kind. Whatever your preferences, there is probably a Chardonnay out there that will satisfy you.
For more than a thousand years, Chardonnay has been farmed in Burgundy, France. The majority of wine experts concur that the best of them are produced there, particularly in the Côte de Beaune (located in the southern region of the famous Côte d'Or). Chardonnay grapes are grown at Grand Cru vineyards like Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, and others where they are made into wines that frequently have the capacity to age and develop for decades. The Chablis Chardonnay wines are created in a different manner, with an emphasis on gritty minerality and delicious acidity, further north in Burgundy. In the southern region of Burgundy, Chardonnays from the Côte Chalonnaise and the entire Mâconnais region frequently offer outstanding value that is difficult to find in other regions of Burgundy.
Along with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay is one of the three major grape varietals allowed in Champagne. In actuality, Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made entirely of Chardonnay. Chardonnay is typically produced in a fuller style in Napa Valley and Sonoma's Russian River Valley, frequently with oak and a small bit of butteriness (a product of a process called malolactic fermentation), which gives it depth and creaminess. It is produced in a variety of styles in Oregon and Washington State, as well as in Argentina and Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. A real international grape variety is chardonnay.
Flavour
The fruit overtones that naturally occur in chardonnay are frequently compared to melons and to apples and pears from an autumn orchard. It frequently has a slight brininess and notes of chalk when grown in more calcium-rich soils. Tropical fruit is frequently more prominent in Chardonnays from warmer regions; common flavour notes include pineapple, papaya, mango, and guava. Oak-influenced Chardonnays often feature cinnamon, clove, and vanilla flavours and smells, and if it underwent malolactic fermentation, notes of butter are likely to be detected. In the best way, chardonnay is versatile.
Why Go For Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is one of the grape varietals that is produced in the widest variety of styles. Its acidity gives it a particularly vivid colour when cultivated in cooler climates or plucked early. Chardonnay frequently acquires a delectable sense of decadence if it is grown in a warmer climate or given more time to develop. Depending on the manner you open, it can be cooling in the summer and cosy in the colder months.
Additionally, it goes well with food. Fish and seafood go naturally with more acidic Chardonnays, such those from Chablis; ideal pairings include raw oysters, sautéed prawns and light white fish. Richer Chardonnay selections pair well with veal and a variety of cheeses and can withstand heartier recipes. Lemon also goes great with it, whether it's whipped into an aioli or squeezed onto spaghetti along with garlic and olive oil. Even macaroni and cheese mixes well with chardonnay!
Undoubtedly, one of the best white wines to sip by itself is Chardonnay. The choice between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay is straightforward, however many consumers frequently wonder about it: When compared to Chardonnay, which leans more towards the melon and autumn orchard fruit end of the spectrum and occasionally even tropical fruit, Sauvignon Blanc tends to have more grapefruit and herb or bell pepper scents and flavours. Similar to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay often has less acidity. It just depends on your mood which one you like. Both can be great.
And regardless of how much money you want to spend, Chardonnay, either on a restaurant wine list or a store shelf, there is sure to be a wonderful alternative available. Burgundy's top Grand Crus can cost over $1000, but there are still many exquisite bottles available for less than $20.