Chardonnay

The Chardonnay grape is a highly versatile green-skinned grape variety, prized by winemakers for its adaptability to a wide range of climates and winemaking techniques.

Chardonnay grapes are used to produce some of the world’s most popular white wines, including Chablis, Meursault, and Australian and Californian Chardonnay. The grapes themselves are relatively neutral, allowing winemakers to create a diverse range of styles, from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery, depending on their preference and the climate in which the grapes are grown.

Chardonnay around the world

As one of the most widely grown grape varieties in the world, Chardonnay can be found in many wine-producing regions, from the cool climate vineyards of Burgundy in France, to the sun-drenched vineyards of California, Australia and New Zealand.

Some of the most remarkable white wines come from regions that are not first thought of. Have you heard of Ukrainian Chardonnay? These grapes from the Beykush peninsula of the Black Sea are the primary component in the renowned white wines of the Beykush Winery.

The search for the perfect Chardonnay grape spans the globe. Tasmania, Australia’s largest island, has earned international acclaim for its Tamar Valley, where local vineyards produce exceptional Chardonnay that stands among the world’s finest. Tamar Valley Chardonnays—both oaked and unoaked—are known for their distinctive high natural acidity. In northeastern Tasmania’s Pipers River area, a unique local “Méthode Tasmanoise” produces sparkling wines that rival the finest champagnes.

Tastes of Chardonnay

The flavour profile of Chardonnay grapes can be highly influenced by the region and climate in which they are grown, resulting in a diverse range of fruit flavours and aromas. In cooler climates, Chardonnay wines may display flavours of green apple, lemon, and lime, while warmer regions may yield wines with tropical fruit notes such as pineapple and mango. Other common flavour and aroma descriptors include pear, peach, melon, and even vanilla and oak, when aged in oak barrels.

In addition to its versatility and adaptability, Chardonnay is also highly prized for its ability to age well. Many Chardonnay wines can improve with time, developing complex aromas and flavours that can evolve over many years in the bottle. As such, Chardonnay is a popular choice for wine collectors and connoisseurs, as well as casual drinkers looking for a delicious and versatile white wine.

Kinds of Chardonnay

Chardonnay wines typically range from medium to full-bodied. France’s Chablis offers a prime example of lighter Chardonnay, known for its distinctive mineral character. When fermented in stainless steel tanks, these wines emerge clean and crisp, with higher acidity and lovely aromas of lime, green apple, and peach.

Complex, barrel-fermented Chardonnays can age beautifully for years, developing full bodies with creamy, toasty flavours. Meursault in Burgundy, France, and California’s Sonoma County and Napa Valley are renowned for these rich, full-bodied expressions. Chardonnay also serves as the primary grape in many sparkling wines.