From Stacy Slinkard,
Your Guide to Wine.
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Definition: Chardonnay, America’s number one selling white wine, 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 $8-15.

Flavor Profile:

Chardonnays boast an impressive range of flavors from the expected buttered, oak overtones to the fresh, fruit flavors of apple, pear, 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 base.

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: Dry White Wines

Common Misspellings: Chardonay Chardonnai

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