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 is a versatile green-skinned grape variety that originated in the Burgundy wine region of France. It is widely planted and used to produce a range of wines, from crisp, unoaked styles to rich, buttery, oaked expressions, and is a key component in many sparkling wines, including Champagne.
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
Les Cerisiers
Sparkling WineGuyard Leblanc · Champagne
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot
White BurgundyJean-Claude Boisset · Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy
Desiderius
Cap Classique Sparkling WinePongrácz · Western Cape
Impérial Brut
SparklingMoët & Chandon · NV · Champagne
Chablis Premier Cru "Montée de Tonnerre"
WhiteDomaine Raveneau · 2021 · Chablis
Chardonnay
Dry, unoaked ChardonnayTwin Oaks, Robert Mondavi · California
Drink 2024–2026
Chardonnay
Dry WhiteKast, Michael Kast · Burgenland
Drink 2024–2028
Chardonnay
White WineChamp des Ducs, Geoffroy Alain · Burgundy
Drink 2024–2028
Bruce Jack Reserve Collection Chardonnay
White WineBruce Jack · Breede River Valley
Chardonnay
White WineBoschkloof
Champagne
Sparkling WineLaurent Pernier · Champagne
Drink 2024–2027
Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition Brut
Champagne BlendKrug · Champagne
95 James Suckling
Drink 2024–2035
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.
Find Chardonnay wines in SomeWine
Scan any bottle to identify the grape, get tasting notes, and discover pairings.
Get SomeWine