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 acidity, Pinot Noir contributes body and red fruit notes, while Pinot Meunier adds fruitiness and roundness to Champagne blends.
Taste profile
Where Chardonnay is grown
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
Bruce Jack Reserve Collection Chardonnay
White WineBruce Jack · Breede River Valley
Ice Imperial Demi-Sec
Sparkling WineMoët & Chandon · Champagne
Oče Naš
Orange WineJure Štekar · Goriška Brda
Bourgogne Chardonnay Les Grandes Coutures
White WineXavier Monnot · Bourgogne
Drink 2024–2028
La Grande Vigne
White WineDomaine Chêne · Saint-Véran, Bourgogne
Bourgogne Chardonnay
White WineMarc Morey · Bourgogne
Drink 2025–2029
Brut Prestige
SparklingTaittinger · Champagne
Éclat de Calcaire
White WinePierre Girardin · Burgundy
Drink 2025–2030
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot
White BurgundyJean-Claude Boisset · Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy
Desiderius
Cap Classique Sparkling WinePongrácz · Western Cape
Chablis Premier Cru "Montée de Tonnerre"
WhiteDomaine Raveneau · 2021 · Chablis
Impérial Brut
SparklingMoët & Chandon · NV · Champagne
Similar grapes
Chardonnay FAQ
What is Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is a white wine grape that originated in 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.
What are the characteristics of Chardonnay?
On the palate it reads as full-bodied, medium acidity. Structurally: body 4/5, acidity 3/5, tannin 1/5, sweetness 2/5.
Is Chardonnay sweet?
Chardonnay is typically dry, though you will come across off-dry and properly sweet bottlings if you go looking.
What does Chardonnay taste like?
Think of it as a full-bodied white. 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.
What food pairs with Chardonnay?
Reach for Chardonnay alongside Lobster, Roast chicken, Cream sauces, Soft cheeses.
Where is Chardonnay grown?
You will find its finest expressions in Burgundy, Chablis, Napa Valley, Margaret River, Casablanca Valley.
What grapes are similar to Chardonnay?
If you enjoy Chardonnay, try Viognier, Pinot Gris. Also a full-bodied white but with more obvious floral and apricot aromatics. Less neutral.
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