About Chardonnay

The iconic white wine

Chardonnay is the most popular white grape variety all over the world despite not being the most widely planted. Despite controversies against its reputation, the white wine has continued to be a favourite for many. Moreover, the production numbers keep increasing, new styles continue to emerge, and it has remained the best-selling white wine.

These remarkable qualities of Chardonnay make it worthwhile to learn the reasons behind its fame and prominence all over the world. Learn everything you need to know about this iconic white wine.

Chardonnay history and overview

History

Chardonnay has its roots in the Burgundy area of France, and it has been in existence for several centuries. Much of Chardonnay’s history is closely linked to the Pinot Noir’s heritage since the wine is a cross between the Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) and Pinot Noir grapes. The wine is referred to as White Burgundy in its ancestral home.

Overview

Chardonnay is also called Aubaine, Gamay Blanc, Beaunois, Melon Blanc, and several other names. It’s ideal soil is chalk or limestone. However, unlike its parent, the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay finds growing very easy. It can thrive almost anywhere in the world and with fairly high yields.

When neglected, the grape could be prone to hazards such as millerandage, frost, powdery mildew, and coulure. Oaked or unoaked, the white wine is prized and is perfect for all seasons, thanks to its region’s amazing terroir.

Chardonnay’s taste profile

The taste profile of Chardonnay depends on the climate. For cooler climate, unoaked Chardonnay is highly acidic, dry, has a light to medium body, and contains citrus and apple notes.

For the warmer climes, the wine’s typical profile is oaked Chardonnay with medium acidity, medium to full body, dry, and with pineapple and peach notes. It might also have vanilla and clove notes.

Colour

Chardonnay is usually white, medium straw to deep gold, or green-skinned.

Flavours & Aromas

Based on the winemaking process and decisions, Chardonnay has a variety of flavours. Thus, it might have some caramel, smoke, cream, coconut, spice, cloves, cinnamon or vanilla flavors. Sometimes, you might even feel toasted marshmallows and wood.

Spice

Spicy notes like vanilla and clove suggest that the Chardonnay has aged in the oak barrels.

Taste

Buttery, tart, or crisp.

Wine structure

Cool climate – dry, high acidity, no tannins, 12.5-13.5% abv, and light to medium body.

Warm climate – dry, medium acidity, no tannins, 13.5-14.5% abv, and medium to full body.

Wine styles

The wine has a subtle and muted nose. Chardonnays are generally consumed in their youth, but some benefit from ageing a few years.

Food pairing

Chardonnay is flexible and can be paired with a wide variety of foods. Its pairing with steak is mind-blowing. Chardonnay is also most frequently paired with roast meat, turkey, and other white meats.

They also go with smoked fish, garlic, and guacamole dips. The region where the wine grows also determines some of its food pairings. For instance, it goes with Spicy cuisines in Asia and pairs well with sweet onions or tomato-based dishes in Washington. Remember that heavily oaked Chardonnays do not go well with seafood dishes or delicate fish.

Common regions to find Chardonnay

Apart from the numerous regions in France, one can also find Chardonnays in many places. These include California, New York, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Italy, and several European countries.

Summary

Chardonnay remains the finest dry white wine in the world. Currently, more refreshing wines are unoaked or Chablis. It plays a vital role in Champagne production and is a must-try for any wine lover.