Chardonnay Wines

Definition: Chardonnay, America's number one selling white wine varietal, continues to climb the production ladders to emerge as the most beloved of dry white wines in the U.S. The Chardonnay grape itself also contributes to the wine's popularity. It is a relatively “low-maintenance” vine that adapts well to a variety of climates, resulting in fairly high yields worldwide. These high yields translate into millions of bottles of Chardonnay wines. As a result, you can buy a good bottle of Chardonnay for under $15.

Flavor Profile:

Chardonnays boast an impressive range of flavors from the expected buttered, oak overtones to the fresh, fruit flavors of apple, pear, tropical, citrus and melon, leaving a lasting palate impression.

Food Pairing

Chardonnay will pair well with poultry dishes, pork, seafood or recipes that have a heavy cream or butter base. Also consider pairing unoaked Chardonnay with guacamole, garlic, salads, grilled shrimp or even curry dishes.

With a long and distinguished following, Chardonnay enjoys a very versatile image, with vintners offering a broad range of styles and structures. From rich, buttery Chardonnays that boast power and presence to the unoaked fruit-forward Chardonnays that allow the varietal character and expression to be in the spotlight, this white wine is capable of accomodating most palates and just as many food pairing combinations.

If you prefer a big buttery Chardonnay then look for ones that have been through malolactic fermentation, as they will yield the compound diacetyl, which makes up the dominant scent of fake butter used in microwave popcorn and imitation butter flavorings used in baked goods.

Key Producers

Grgich Hills

Eola Hills

Stony Hill

Ferrari-Carano

Shafer Vineyards

Jacob's Creek

Spy Valley

Lindemans

Chateau St. Jean

Covey Run

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Louis Jadot

Joseph Drouhin

Pronunciation: Shar-doe-nay

Also Known As: Chablis, White Burgundy

Common Misspellings: Chardonay Chardonnai

Examples: Many restaurants top their white wine lists with a classic Chardonnay, a versatile wine that will complement many entrees.