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%.

Join the club

Get this varietal often & more delivered to your doorstep when you join our wine club!

Pairings for Chardonnay

Seafood

Buttery texture and oak influence complement sweet seafood flavors. The dishes can range from light and delicate to rich and bold, offering a variety of textures and flavors. Whether it's a flaky white fish like cod, meaty tuna, or buttery lobster, the right wine pairing can enhance the natural flavors of the dish. Lighter seafood, like shellfish or sole, pairs well with crisp white wines, while richer dishes, such as salmon or seafood stews, benefit from fuller-bodied wines. With the right wine pairing, seafood becomes a perfect symphony of flavors and textures.

Get recipe

Goat cheese salad

A goat cheese salad, featuring creamy and tangy goat cheese paired with fresh greens, fruits, and nuts, is a refreshing and flavorful dish. The tanginess of the goat cheese pairs well with crisp, acidic white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which enhance the cheese’s distinct flavors without overpowering them. A dry rosé or a light, fruity red like Beaujolais also complements the salad, adding a delicate balance to the creamy cheese and fresh ingredients. This versatile salad is ideal for a light lunch or as a starter, offering a variety of textures and flavors that harmonize beautifully with these wines.

Get recipe

Grilled Meats

Grilled meats, such as lamb and beef, offer rich, smoky flavors that intensify with the cooking method. The natural char and juiciness of cuts like ribeye or lamb chops make them a versatile option for a variety of occasions, from casual barbecues to elegant dinners. When properly seasoned, grilled meats balance bold flavors with tenderness, often enhanced with marinades or simple salt and pepper. The robust, smoky notes developed during grilling pair beautifully with full-bodied wines, making them a favorite for wine lovers.

cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

Get Recipe

Popular Locations for Chardonnay

1 2