All about Chardonnay

Appearance

  • Color: Pale straw to deep golden yellow.
  • Opacity: Clear with medium to high opacity.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas:Notes of butter, cream, vanilla, and toast from malolactic fermentation and oak aging. In some cases, there might also be hints of nuts (almond, hazelnut).
  • Secondary Aromas: Often includes hints of cocoa, milk chocolate, and coffee.
  • Tertiary Aromas: Honey, caramel, butterscotch, and baked apple, especially in wines that have been aged in oak barrels.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Green apple, lemon, and lime in cooler climates to peach, apricot, and melon in moderate climates, and tropical fruits like pineapple and banana in warmer regions.
  • Other Flavors:Green apple, lemon, and lime in cooler climates to peach, apricot, and melon in moderate climates, and tropical fruits like pineapple and banana in warmer regions.
  • Oak Influence: Buttery, creamy notes, minerality (chalk, wet stones), and in some cases, vegetal notes like green bell pepper in unoaked styles.

Structure

  • Body: Can range from light to full-bodied. Lighter-bodied are often unoaked and crisp, while fuller-bodied versions are typically oak-aged and richer in texture.
  • Tannins:No tannins since it’s a white wine.
  • Acidity: Medium to high. Cool climate Chardonnays generally have higher acidity, while warmer climate styles tend to be rounder with softer acidity.
  • Alcohol: Ranging from 12% to 15%.

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Pairings for Chardonnay

Seafood
Seafood

Seafood

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Goat cheese salad
Goat cheese salad

Goat cheese salad

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Grilled Meats
Grilled Meats

Grilled Meats

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