- Last updated on May 24, 2023
Our Best Chardonnay Selection
- Best Overall: Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay
- Best Value: Louis Jadot Petit Chablis
- Best under $15: Sebastiani Butterfield Station Chardonnay
- Best California (Napa): Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2019
- Best California (Sonoma): Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017
- Best Oregon: Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay 2017
- Best Washington: Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay 2017
- Best France (Loire Valley): Domaine de la Fruitiere Chardonnay
- Best France (Bourgogne): Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Les Clous 2017
- Best Italy (Sicilia): Planeta Chardonnay 2019
- Best Italy (Umbria): Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala 2019
- Best Australia: Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2017
- Best New Zealand: Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2020
- Best South Africa: Meerlust Chardonnay 2018
- Best Argentina: Catena Alta Chardonnay 2017
- Best Chile: Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay (Atalayas Vineyard) 2016
- Best Blanc de Blancs: Ferrari Perlé 2015
- Best under $20: Treana Chardonnay 2019
- Best under $50: Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay 2019
- Best under $50 runner-up: Régnard Grand Régnard Chablis 2019
- Best under $100: Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Grand Cru 'Les Clos' 2018
- Best Luxury: Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Grand Cru Marquis de Laguiche 2013
- Best Luxury runner-up: Domaine Blain-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 'Morgeot' Blanc 2018
23 Best Chardonnay Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 23 Best Chardonnay so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 Napa Valley Chardonnay wines in California right now (2019 Vintage)
Region: United States, Napa Valley
Tasting notes: Apple, Lemon, Pineapple, Vanilla.
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay is a true gem among California Chardonnays.
This wine is made with exceptional care, using only the best grapes from the finest vineyards in Napa Valley.
From the moment you pour it into the glass, you can see and smell the quality of this wine.
But what sets Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay apart is its perfect balance of richness and elegance.
The wine is full-bodied and creamy, yet it has a fresh acidity that keeps it from feeling heavy or cloying.
There are at least three things that make this wine the best overall:
1) Extra clarity and finesse compared to the standard Chardonnay, i.e. it’s a pure joy to drink.
2) Has many layers of complexity which is a testament to the quality of the grapes and the winemaking expertise of Beringer Vineyards and makes it a perfect example of California Chardonnay.
3) It offers great value for your money if compared to its peers, as you’ll save several $10s.
Ultimately, what makes Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay special is its ability to please both the palate and the conscience.
It’s a wine that not only tastes great, but also reflects the values of its producer and the terroir of Napa Valley. A must-try.
Read our full review here.
Louis Jadot Petit Chablis is a bright and lively wine that captures the essence of the Chablis region.
This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes grown on the limestone-rich soils of the region, which impart a distinct minerality to the wine.
On the nose, this wine is fresh and floral, with hints of citrus and green apple. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a clean and vibrant finish.
The three things that make this wine the best value are:
1) It’s refreshing and complex, which means that although it’s easy to drink it’s more refined than the previous one, as you’ll perceive more aromas and flavours.
2) It’s a versatile wine, so you can pair it with various dishes from fish, white meat, veggie and of course light and fresh cheese.
3) It’s a good quality-price ratio. For ~ $25 you get a high quality Chardonnay for a reasonable price.
This wine is a true reflection of the terroir of the Chablis region and a testament to the expertise of the winemakers at Louis Jadot.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money.
Region: United States, North Coast
Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Vanilla.
Sebastiani Butterfield Station Chardonnay is an excellent value for money wine that offers a delightful drinking experience.
The wine’s bright and refreshing flavors, creamy texture, and subtle hints of vanilla make it an excellent choice for any occasion.
The three things that make this wine the best budget are:
1) It’s fresh and fruity with a stronger body compared to Pinot Grigio. You’ll still find it refreshing and easy to drink.
2) It’s the perfect everyday white that delivers every time.
3) It costs ~$15 which is a good value for the quality you get.
Whether you are enjoying a glass of wine with friends or pairing it with a delicious meal, Sebastiani Butterfield Station Chardonnay is a wine that is sure to please.
What are you still waiting for???🤩
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 83% more. | Featured in Best wines between $20 and $40 right now
Region: United States, Napa Valley
Tasting notes: Apricot, Pineapple, Butterscotch, Oak, Honey.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Carneros region.
The wine’s complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the skill of the winemaker and the quality of the grapes.
Its versatility in food pairings makes it an excellent choice for any meal, from casual to formal.
This wine is a must-try for any Chardonnay lover and is an excellent representation of the high-quality wines produced by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 61% more.
Region: United States, Sonoma Coast
Tasting notes: Lemon, Pear, Apricot, Wet Stone.
Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a standout wine that represents the best of the Sonoma Coast region.
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the terroir and the skill of the winemaker.
This Chardonnay is a perfect example of how California can produce world-class white wines that can compete with the best in the world.
This wine is a must-try for any wine lover, and it is a true gem that will not disappoint.
Read our full review here.
Region: United States, Dundee Hills
Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Butter, Oak, Toast.
Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay is a luxurious and complex white wine that showcases the best of Oregon Chardonnay.
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the terroir and the skill of the winemaker.
This wine is a perfect example of how the Willamette Valley region can produce world-class white wines.
The Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay is a wine that will delight even the most discerning wine lovers, and it is a true gem that should not be missed.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 63% more.
Region: France, Saint-Estèphe
Tasting notes: Pineapple, Pear, Kiwi, Oak, Butter, Chard.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Vineyard Chardonnay is an excellent example of a well-crafted Washington State Chardonnay.
The wine’s complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the grapes and the skill of the winemaker.
Its full-bodied character and creamy texture make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes.
This Chardonnay is a delicious representation of the region’s winemaking traditions, and it is a wine that will delight even the most discerning palates.
Read our full review here.
Domaine de la Fruitière Chardonnay is a beautiful example of a Loire Valley white wine.
It reflects the terroir of the region and is an elegant and refined expression of the Chardonnay grape.
This wine is perfect for those who enjoy a light and refreshing white wine with a good balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality.
It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Read our full review here.
Region: France, Meursault.
Tasting notes: Lemon, Green Apple, Pear, Butter, Oak, Toast, Straw.
Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault Les Clous is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the terroir and winemaking expertise of the Bouchard family.
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the terroir and the skill of the winemaker.
This wine is a perfect example of how the Burgundy region can produce world-class white wines, and the Meursault appellation is one of the most renowned in the area.
This premier cru Meursault is a wine that will delight even the most discerning wine lovers, and it is a true gem that should not be missed.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 90 by Wine Spectator | Featured in Best wines between $20 and $40 right now
Region: Italy, Sicilia
Tasting notes: Ripe Yellow Peaches, Acacia Honey, Marzipan.
This is one of best Chardonnay Italian style you can find, and at this price, it’s a must drink!
This wine is crafted using carefully selected Chardonnay grapes from the estate’s vineyards in Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia.
The result is a complex and elegant wine that perfectly showcases the unique terroir of the region.
If you’re a fan of Chardonnay, then this wine should definitely be on your radar, as it’s one of the best examples of the grape variety from Sicily.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 3 times as much.
Region: Italy, Umbria
Tasting notes: Citrus, Pineapple, Ripe Mango, Oak, Butter, Honeysuckle.
Region: Australia, Margaret River
Tasting notes: Pineapple, White Peach, Ginger, Yeast.
Vasse Felix Chardonnay is a vibrant and refreshing white wine from the Margaret River region in Western Australia.
The winery has a long history of producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
This Chardonnay is no exception, with its bright acidity, ripe fruit flavors, and delicate oak influence.
This wine is a true testament to the skill and dedication of the winemaker, and it is a must-try for any wine lover looking for a vibrant and refreshing white wine.
Read our full review here.
Kumeu River Village Chardonnay is a well-crafted wine that offers exceptional value for its price point.
It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes and is perfect for both casual and more formal occasions.
While it may not have the complexity and depth of some of Kumeu River’s more premium Chardonnays, it is a great introduction to the winery’s style and a must-try for any Chardonnay lover.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 51% more.
Region: South Africa, Stellenbosch
Tasting notes: Citrus Fruit, Green Apple, Cream, Nutty.
Meerlust Chardonnay is a wine that truly embodies the character of the Stellenbosch region.
From the first sip, you can taste the terroir – the mineral-rich soil, the cool ocean breezes, and the warm South African sun – all come together to create a truly exceptional wine.
The Chardonnay is a testament to the skill and experience of the Meerlust winemaking team, who have crafted a wine that is elegant, complex, and memorable.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 52% more. | 94 points by Descorchados
Region: Argentina, Mendoza
Tasting notes: Banana, Mango, Butter, Nutty, Sweet Spice.
Catena Alta Chardonnay is a masterpiece of winemaking.
From the moment you pour it into the glass, you can tell this is a wine of exceptional quality.
This wine is crafted using only the finest handpicked grapes from the high-altitude vineyards of Tupungato and Gualtallary, and it is fermented and aged in French oak barrels for over a year.
The result is a complex and elegant wine that showcases the unique terroir of the region and the skill of the winemaker.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 90 points by Tim Atkin
Region: Chile, Casablanca Valley
Tasting notes: Ripe Pineapple, Mango, Citrus, Vanilla.
Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay from the Atalayas Vineyard is a true masterpiece.
From the moment you pour it into the glass, you can sense the exceptional quality of the wine.
This wine is a perfect example of how Chile can produce world-class white wines, and Lapostolle is one of the most renowned wineries in the region.
This Chardonnay is a wine that will delight even the most discerning wine lovers, and it is a true gem that should not be missed.
Read our full review here.
Region: Italy, Trento
Tasting notes: Reinette Apples, Citrus Fruits, Almond, Toast
It’s quite possible you have never heard of Ferrari Perlé before. In a way, this where we bring value to you. This is a gem!
It is one of the Italian answers to Champagne, very high quality for a fraction of the price. Do you like the sound of it? Trust us on this one and you’ll discover something special!
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the Chardonnay grapes and the skill of the winemaker.
This wine is a perfect example of how Italy can produce world-class sparkling wines, and Ferrari is one of the most renowned wineries in the country.
This sparkling wine should not be missed and is a must-try for any sparkling wine enthusiast.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 3 times as much.
Region: United States, Central Coast
Tasting notes: Candied Pineapple, Mandarin, Stone Fruits, Butterscotch.
Treana Chardonnay is a superb white wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Central Coast of California.
The wine is rich, creamy, and full-bodied, with a perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness.
The wine is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, making it a great addition to any meal.
The Treana Chardonnay is an excellent choice for those looking for a premium white wine that is both delicious and approachable.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Ranks #4 in Best wines between $20 and $40 right now
Region: United States, Los Carneros
Tasting notes: Ripe Tropical Fruits, Fig Jam, Vanilla, Cedar.
Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of California winemaking.
It offers a complex bouquet of aromas and flavors that are perfectly balanced and harmonious.
This wine is a perfect example of the richness and depth that can be achieved with the Chardonnay grape.
If you are a fan of full-bodied, luscious Chardonnays, then this wine is a must-try.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 3 times as much.
Region: France, Chablis
Tasting notes: Green Apples, Lemon, Apricot, Acacia
There are many great wines around, but this one offers an incredible price-quality ratio! I’d be quick if I were you…
Bright, pale-straw accented with green reflections. On the nose it is elegant and fresh with notes of green apples, lemon and apricot, it has a notable intense aroma.
On the palate it is rich, rounded and mellow. There are ample ripe lemony fruit and white peach flavors.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 66% more.
Region: France, Bourgogne
Tasting notes: Lemon, Apple, White Peach, Mineral, Honey, Jasmine.
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Clos’ is a wine of exceptional quality that is a testament to the skill of the winemaker and the unique terroir of the Chablis region.
Its complex aromas and flavors make it a wine to savor and enjoy, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes.
For those looking for a white wine that is both rich and refreshing, this wine is a must-try.
Read our full review here.
Region: France, Bourgogne
Tasting notes: Exotic Fruit, Honey, Grilled Almonds, Lily, Peach Blossom
Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Grand Cru Marquis de Laguiche is a prestigious white wine from the Burgundy region of France.
This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the legendary Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard, which is known for producing some of the world’s finest white wines.
Joseph Drouhin is a respected winery with a long history of producing exceptional wines, and the Montrachet Grand Cru Marquis de Laguiche is one of their most sought-after offerings.
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the Chardonnay grapes and the skill of the winemaker.
This wine is a true gem that should not be missed and is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 2 times as much.
Region: France, Bourgogne
Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Lychee, Cream, Honeysuckle.
Domaine Blain-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru ‘Morgeot’ Blanc is a truly exceptional wine that embodies the classic Burgundian style.
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the terroir and the skill of the winemaker.
This wine is a perfect example of how the Burgundy region can produce world-class white wines, and the Morgeot vineyard is one of the most renowned in the area.
This Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet is a wine that will delight even the most discerning wine lovers, and it is a true gem that should not be missed.
Read our full review here.
Buying Guide to Chardonnay
It’s not just about which Chardonnay you should buy. There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.
The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview on all these topics.
Unoaked Chardonnay Overview
Here you find an overview on where this Chardonnay style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Chardonnay
ABV
13.5%–14.5%
Main Regions
France: Loire Valley, Chablis
USA: California
Australia
Other Regions
USA: Oregon, New York, Washington
Chile
Grape
Chardonnay
ABV
13.5%–14.5%
Main Regions
France: Loire Valley, Chablis
USA: California
Australia
Other Regions
USA: Oregon, New York, Washington
Chile
Unoaked Chardonnay Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Unoaked Chardonnay.
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Honeysuckle
Lemon Zest
Peach
Green Fruit (less ripe)
Tropical Fruit (very ripe)
Palate
Chalk
Lemon Zest
Peach
Dry to Off-Dry
Medium-High Acidity
Medium-Full Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Honeysuckle
Lemon Zest
Peach
Green Fruit (less ripe)
Tropical Fruit (very ripe)
Palate
Chalk
Lemon Zest
Peach
Dry to Off-Dry
Medium-High Acidity
Medium-Full Body
Unoaked Chardonnay Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Unoaked Chardonnay.
Appetizer
Salad
Veggie Risotto
Paté
Meat
Chicken
Fish
Shellfish
Moules Frites
Sushi
Cheese
Fresh (Goat Cheese)
Appetizer
Salad
Veggie Risotto
Paté
Meat
Chicken
Fish
Shellfish
Moules Frites
Sushi
Cheese
Fresh (Goat Cheese)
Serve and Store Unoaked Chardonnay
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Chardonnay style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
2-3 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
2-3 years
Unoaked Chardonnay Useful Insight
The fermentation and aging in stainless steel give crispness and brightness to the wine.
That is why unoaked Chardonnay is similar in taste to Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc but without herbaceous flavors.
When you read Chablis on the label, you’ll know it’s Chardonnay.
Chablis is a French region within Burgundy. Chardonnay produced here is generally fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.
Oaked Chardonnay Overview
Here you find an overview on where this Chardonnay style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Chardonnay
ABV
13.5%–14.5%
Main Regions
France: Burgundy
USA: California
Australia
New Zealand
Other Regions
Italy: Puglia
Argentina
Grape
Chardonnay
ABV
13.5%–14.5%
Main Regions
France: Burgundy
USA: California
Australia
New Zealand
Other Regions
Italy: Puglia
Argentina
Oaked Chardonnay Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Oaked Chardonnay.
Color
Deep Gold
Nose
Vanilla, Butter, Spice
Apple, Pear
Citrus Fruit (Cool Climate)
Tropical Fruit (Warm Climate)
Palate
Chalk
Saline
Dry to Off-Dry
Smooth, Creamy
Medium-Low Acidity
Medium-Full Body
Color
Deep Gold
Nose
Vanilla, Butter, Spice
Apple, Pear
Citrus Fruit (Cool Climate)
Tropical Fruit (Warm Climate)
Palate
Chalk
Saline
Dry to Off-Dry
Smooth, Creamy
Medium-Low Acidity
Medium-Full Body
Oaked Chardonnay Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Oaked Chardonnay.
Appetizer
Salad
Prosciutto Crudo
Pumpkin
Meat
Pork
Grilled Meats
Roast Chicken
Fish
Halibut
Grilled Fish
Smoked Salmon
Crab Cakes
Cheese
Cream (Brie) to Triple Cream (Brillat-Savarin)
Appetizer
Salad
Prosciutto Crudo
Pumpkin
Meat
Pork
Grilled Meats
Roast Chicken
Fish
Halibut
Grilled Fish
Smoked Salmon
Crab Cakes
Cheese
Cream (Brie) to Triple Cream (Brillat-Savarin)
Serve and Store Oaked Chardonnay
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Chardonnay style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
50 - 55 °F
10 - 13 °C
Store for
5-7 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
50 - 55 °F
10 - 13 °C
Store for
5-7 years
Oaked Chardonnay Useful Insight
Oaked Chardonnay is quite different in taste from Unoaked Chardonnay.
It generally is rich, rounded, creamy, full-body wine with tertiary flavors of Vanilla, butter, spice, caramel, and honey.
The tertiary flavors are from the oak aging and fermentation process.
The rounded, creamy texture is from the malolactic formation and the contact with the lees, or dead yeast which reduces wine’s acidity.
Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Overview
Here we’ll primarily focus on Blanc de Blancs which is made with 100% white grapes, and usually Chardonnay.
You will below find an overview on where this Chardonnay style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Chardonnay
ABV
10.5% - 12.5%
Main Regions
France: Champagne
Other Regions
USA: California
Italy
Grape
Chardonnay
ABV
10.5% - 12.5%
Main Regions
France: Champagne
Other Regions
USA: California
Italy
Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Sparkling Blanc de Blancs.
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Jasmine
Brioche, Toast
Apple
Lemon
Peach
Pineapple
Palate
Saline
Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Jasmine
Brioche, Toast
Apple
Lemon
Peach
Pineapple
Palate
Saline
Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Blanc de Blancs.
Appetizer
Salad
Hors d’Oeuvres
Nuts
Meat
Chicken
Fried Chicken
Fish
Shellfish
Grilled Fish
Fish and Chips
Cheese
Cream (Brie)
Appetizer
Salad
Hors d’Oeuvres
Nuts
Meat
Chicken
Fried Chicken
Fish
Shellfish
Grilled Fish
Fish and Chips
Cheese
Cream (Brie)
Serve and Store Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Chardonnay style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Flûte
Serve at
43 - 50 °F
6 - 10 °C
Store for
10+ years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Flûte
Serve at
43 - 50 °F
6 - 10 °C
Store for
10+ years
Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Useful Insight
You’ll commonly find a sweetness level, called “dosage”, in the label that it’s needed to counterbalance the high acidity.
The “dosage”, in sweetness order, can be: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra-Dry, Dry, and Doux. Brut is the most common.
Only the wine produced in the Champagne region in France can be called Champagne. The others, even if produced with the same method, must be called sparkling wine.
Malolactic fermentation is a usual process for wines made only with Chardonnay.
Out Verdict
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world.
Depending on the style it can be light, fresh, and crisp if unoaked or rich, buttery and full-bodied if oaked.
What to do next?
Be sure to serve your Chardonnay at the right temperature.
Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!
Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Chardonnay.
What does Chardonnay mean?
“Chardonnay” comes from the Latin world “Cardonnacum” or “wild thistle”. That’s the name the Roman gave to the area where the Chardonnay village was located.
The belief is that Chardonnay wine was named after this village.
What is Chardonnay history?
Experts agree that the Chardonnay grape was born in France in the Burgundy region.
Chardonnay is the result of a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais blanc [1] as per a recent study from the University of California, Davis [2].
Chardonnay gained increased popularity in California from the famous Chateau Montelena’s blind tasting in Paris in 1976.
Check out the movie “Bottle Shock” [3]. Since 2000 Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape in California.
These days Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape globally and the second most planted white grape in France, followed by Sauvignon Blanc.
Where does Chardonnay grow best?
Chardonnay’s an extremely versatile grape that grows worldwide in different climates and soil.
Chardonnay does best in clay, limestone, and chalky soil. The climate affects the tasting profile of the wine in the following ways:
- Cool climate Chardonnay tends to be mineral with citrus flavor, high acidity, and medium body.
Regional areas examples: France (Champagne, Burgundy), Northern Italy, US (Sonoma Coast), New Zealand. - Warm climate Chardonnay tends to have tropical and stone fruit ripe flavor, lower acidity, and full body.
Like Sauvignon Blanc, if the over-ripening is not properly controlled it will considerably reduce aromas and acidity.
Regional areas examples: Southern Italy, South Australia, and South Africa.
When is the perfect time to drink Chardonnay?
Like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, a hot summer day is perfect to enjoy an Unoaked Chardonnay: it’s refreshing, light, and easy to drink.
Is Chardonnay sweet?
Chardonnay Unoaked and Oaked can vary from dry to off dry. Sparkling Blanc de Blancs are usually dry wine.
The sweetness level of a wine is expressed in grams of sugar per liter, aka g/L, or as a percentage.
- A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
- An off dry wine contains between 15-30 g/L.
- A sweet wine contains between 50-100 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
When is the International Chardonnay day?
There is an International Chardonnay day and it’s the Friday in May.
Is Chardonnay blended with other grapes?
On top of Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay grapes are also blended with other grapes for other Champagne styles.
These grapes are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier [4]. Examples of sparkling wines that used Chardonnay grapes are Crémant [5] and Franciacorta [6].
Why they say that Oaked Chardonnay is "made in winery"?
The winemaking methods for Oaked Chardonnay have a great influence on its taste profile. For this reason, it is said to be “made in the winery”.
Why Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc were often mistaken for each other?
Due to their similarities in the grapevines, leaves, and clusters, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc were often mistaken for each other.
This is the reason why even these days they have many identical synonyms.
What are Chardonnay most known synonyms?
Chardonnay’s most known synonyms are Pinot Blanc Chardonnay, Pinot Chardonnay, and Feiner Weisser Burgunder.
What’s Chardonnay's typical price range?
- Chardonnay White Wine price range is on average between $10-$50.
You’ll find more expensive Chardonnay over $100 from France, Italy and the USA.
In case you have some spare cash, there is a rare example of over $10’000 a bottle, yes $10’000, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet Grand Cru. - Blanc de Blancs varies in price:
- Champagne is more expensive, you can get good quality at a price range of $30-$70.
- Sparkling Wine is cheaper and generally in a price range of $20-$50.
