Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white wine variety originating from the Burgundy region in France. The grape takes its name from the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais region. It is also one of the three main varieties used in the production of Champagne (the alternates being Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier).

According to Forbes, in 2018, Chardonnay was the world’s fifth most planted wine grape, covering 211,000 hectares internationally. It is also the most widely planted varietal in the USA, accounting for 10% of the total vine area. Chardonnay is now grown in virtually every wine-producing country, thriving in a range of climates. The following regions offer fabulous examples:

    – France: Burgundy (Chablis, Côte de Beaune), Champagne, and Languedoc;

    – United States: California (Napa Valley, Sonoma, Central Coast) and Oregon;

– Australia: Margaret River, Yarra Valley, and Adelaide Hills;

    – New Zealand: Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay;

    – South Africa: Stellenbosch and Elgin;

    – South America: Chile and Argentina;

    – Italy: Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia;

The Chardonnay grape is relatively neutral, and many of the flavours commonly associated with the wine are derived from influences such as terroir or oak. Therefore, it is vinified into many different styles. Unoaked Chardonnay is bright, fresh, and fruit-driven with high acidity. Oaked Chardonnay is rich, creamy, and textured, with flavours of vanilla, butter, and toast from barrel ageing. Sparkling Chardonnay is used in traditional methods of sparkling wines like champagne and Blanc de Blancs. The identification of the wines often comes down to identifying the region. For example, pineapple notes are more commonly associated with examples from Napa Valley, while green apples are more related to the Chablis region of France.

Aromas

Chardonnay’s aromas vary depending on its terroir and vinification, but you will often find citrus, apple, and stone fruits and floral notes of white blossom and acacia. Chardonnay can also have more complex aromas like hazelnut, brioche, and wet stone in aged or oaked wines.

Flavours

Chardonnay’s flavour profile depends heavily on the climate and winemaking techniques. You will taste green apple, pear, lemon, and flint in cooler climates. Warmer climates will have ripe peach, pineapple, mango, and melon. There is often an oak influence of vanilla, butter, and toast from barrel ageing.

Tannins and Body

Though oak-aged Chardonnays may exhibit slight tannic sensations, tannins are generally low with a medium to full body, depending on style and winemaking.

Cool v Warm climate

Chardonnay is highly expressive of its growing conditions, showcasing distinct characteristics in different climates:

Cool-climate wines have crisp green apple, lime, and minerality. Higher acidity provides freshness and elegance, and the lean tannins result in restrained wines with a steely, mineral-driven profile. You will find these wines in Chablis (France), Marlborough (New Zealand), and Sonoma Coast (USA).

Warm-climate wines have ripe tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, with hints of honey. Softer acidity leads to a richer, rounder mouthfeel. The styles are generally fuller-bodied, fruit-forward wines with pronounced ripeness. You will find these wines in Napa Valley (USA), Margaret River (Australia), and Mendoza (Argentina).

Listed below are the wineries that produce Chardonnay.

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