What Is Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is a white grape variety that is widely planted around the world. It has an almost preternatural ability to both express the land in which it's grown and showcase the style of the winemaker.
Where Does Chardonnay Wine Come From?
Chardonnay has been cultivated in France's Burgundy region for nearly a thousand years, particularly in the Côte de Beaune, known for producing exceptional wines. Grand Cru vineyards like Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne create age-worthy wines, while Chablis emphasizes minerality and acidity.
The Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais regions offer great value Chardonnays. In Champagne, Chardonnay is one of the primary grape varieties, used in Blanc de Blancs. In Napa Valley and Sonoma, it is produced in a richer, oak-influenced style. Chardonnay is also made in various styles globally, including in Washington, Oregon, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.
Why Should You Drink Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety produced in many styles. Cooler climates yield vibrant, acidic wines, while warmer areas produce richer, decadent flavors. It pairs well with food: acid-driven Chardonnays from Chablis complement seafood, while richer versions suit heartier dishes like veal and cheese.
Chardonnay also enhances lemon-based dishes and is enjoyable on its own. Compared to Sauvignon Blanc, which has more citrus and herbal notes, Chardonnay features melon and tropical fruit flavors with generally lower acidity, making the choice between the two dependent on personal preference.
What Does Chardonnay Taste Like?
Chardonnay features fruit notes akin to melons, apples, and pears, with calcium-rich soils adding subtle brininess and chalk hints. Warmer climates produce tropical flavors like pineapple and mango.
Oak-influenced Chardonnays bring aromas of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, with possible buttery hints from malolactic fermentation. Overall, Chardonnay offers a diverse range of flavors.
Five Great Recommend Chardonnay Wines
Rombauer Chardonnay
When fans of rich, oaky, buttery Chardonnay think of a classic example of their preferred style, Rombauer often comes to mind.
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
Sonoma-Cutrer produces a number of Chardonnays, including their Russian River Ranches, Les Pierres, and Sonoma Coast bottlings, among others.
Williams Selyem Chardonnay
Bursting with notes of lemon blossom, white flowers and jasmine, the Williams Selyem Estate Chardonnay is extraordinary. Planted to a multitude of chardonnay clones, the aromatics are layered and complex.
Sojourn Chardonnay
Sojourn Chardonnay is a wine produced by Sojourn Cellars, which is known for crafting high-quality wines from California's best vineyards. Their Chardonnay is typically from the Sonoma Coast, an area famous for producing wines with a balance of richness and freshness.
Wayfarer Chardonnay
Wayfarer Chardonnay is another standout from California, specifically from the Wayfarer Vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, located in Sonoma County. This vineyard sits at a high elevation and has a cool climate, which helps produce wines with excellent balance between ripe fruit and refreshing acidity.
