Chardonnay

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Species: Vitis Vinifera
Parentage: Cross between Pinot & Gouais Blanc
Aliases: Aubaine, Beaunois, Gamay Blanc, Melon Blanc...
Grape Color: White
Regions: Though the origins of Chardonnay lie in France’s Burgundy region, the grape is grown worldwide.
Type(s) of the Wine the Grape Produces: Chablis, White Burgundy, Champagne

British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, Chardonnay took its varietal qualities to the next level and ‘virtually became a brand.’

Delicate. Malleable. Neutral. Reflecting on its terroir and its winemakers’ preferences, Chardonnay gained fame from its widespread success in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France. If a painter stares at his blank white canvas with a thousand possibilities of expressing himself to society, winemakers do no differently with Chardonnay. This varietal holds the rare quality of having its flavors mold to the many differences in climates, region, soil, and fermentation practices.

Chardonnay grapes are small, thin-skinned, and fragile, making them expensive to grow. Its early budding qualities make it vulnerable to springtime frost. True to its name, Chardonnay also adapts to most types of vineyard soils. However, it tends to work best with chalk, clay, and limestone. Similarly to its Vitis Vinifera sibling, Chardonnay holds greater importance to soil type under less-than-ideal conditions. Another similarity lies in the fact that Chardonnay, too, ages well in a bottle -- though not as expertly as many red wines.

Though the origins of the Chardonnay lie in France, the grape surged to popularity in North America, particularly California, in the 1970s. Since then, it has been found to grow excellently in New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and even South Africa.

Depending on the region it was grown in and its treatment in said region, Chardonnay appeals to a wide array of palates. Chardonnay from Napa Valley gives hints of pineapple, while that from Chablis will mimic green apples. When these varietals undergo malolactic fermentation, they soften and taste big and buttery, exhibiting the same aromas of home microwave popcorn.

Some more expensive Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels, giving birth to vanilla connotations in both the aroma and flavor. The exact opposite of these oak-fermented Chardonnays is the Naked Chardonnay, which is aged in stainless steel instead of oak, bringing out a fruitier, edgier, more acidic flavor in its wine. While many of this varietal’s flavors are associated with terroir and oak, it is just as much a large component of numerous sparkling wines around the world.

Don’t place your money on recognizing any of these though! Chardonnay tends to be as complex as those who love it.

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Chardonnay on Snooth

Jun 10

What accompaniments do you have with it?

Comment by 1297081Fazie 1297081
Sep 23

Hi, We recently tried your idol Chardonnay whilst holidaying in Lara Beach and we fell in love with this tasty yet delicate wine.. could you please tell me if this is sold in the UK? Kind Regards Ony

Comment by 1141710onyNony 1141710
Feb 3, 2012

Talbott. The Kali Hart is the best value for the dollar today and light in oak. The Sleepy Hollow vineyard is burgundian to me... also a great value

Comment by 727845ottrad1 727845
Jun 14, 2011

what is the calorie content of 8 oz. of the chard. boxed ?

Comment by 861559wildflower 2 861559
Apr 9, 2011

I'm visiting the Carneros region. Would appreciate any suggestions for wineries with nice oak chards. Thanks.

Comment by 241717Morrilyn Robertson 241717
Mar 3, 2011

Hello All!!! its Beamer! I have just tried a new vintage called Fog Head. from California, Very very tasty!!!! wicked fruit blend, that goes great with chicken! (what i just ate for din din) latley trying new chardonnay's have been pissing me off, in the sense that jackson triggs, gave me an allergic reaction to my eyes!!!!! but this one i...

Comment by 782313beamer 782313
Feb 27, 2011

What does VC mean as the tag for Sterling Chardonnay?

Comment by 784621novicegb 784621
Jan 26, 2011

I love Chard with oak and even heavy oak. Any suggestions?

Comment by 745981barbjarvis 745981
Jan 26, 2011

I was told by the salesperson that the Dona Sole Chardonnay has oak. There is no indication on the bottle stating the contents.

Comment by 745981barbjarvis 745981
Nov 19, 2010

Love it

Comment by 489356Nelli Rihacek 489356

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