Chardonnay
Originally from Burgundy, France
The winemaker's canvas: Chardonnay has very little aroma of its own but expresses terroir and winemaking choices with extraordinary fidelity. In Chablis it is steely and mineral; in Meursault rich and buttery; in Marlborough tropically fruity.
Chardonnay provides elegance and freshness, Pinot Noir contributes body and structure, and Pinot Meunier adds fruitiness and roundness to Champagne blends.
Taste profile
Famous regions
Food pairings
Deep dive
Chardonnay is the world's most popular white grape and one of the most versatile. It is relatively neutral, making it a perfect vehicle for terroir and winemaking technique to show through.
Winemaking impact:
- Oak ageing adds vanilla, toast and butter notes.
- Malolactic fermentation (MLF) converts sharp malic acid to softer lactic acid, adding a creamy, buttery texture.
- Lees ageing (sur lie) adds richness and a yeasty, biscuity complexity.
Cool climate (Chablis, Champagne, Mâcon): high acidity, green apple, lemon, mineral; no oak or subtle oak. Warm climate (Napa, Margaret River): tropical fruit (mango, pineapple), full body, creamy texture; heavy oak common.
Aromas: Apple, citrus, stone fruit, melon; secondary: vanilla, toast, butter, hazelnut.
Notable Chardonnay wines
Impérial Brut
SparklingMoët & Chandon · NV · Champagne
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot
White BurgundyJean-Claude Boisset · Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy
Desiderius
Cap Classique Sparkling WinePongrácz · Western Cape
Bruce Jack Reserve Collection Chardonnay
White WineBruce Jack · Breede River Valley
Chablis Premier Cru "Montée de Tonnerre"
WhiteDomaine Raveneau · 2021 · Chablis
Chardonnay
White WineBoschkloof
Brut Royal
Sparkling WinePommery · Champagne
90 Wine Spectator
Similar grapes
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