Chardonnay

Classic region grown is Burgundy, France. Here, some of the most expensive and best white wines in the world are produced! e.g. Chablis, Mersault, Montrachet, Pouilly Fuisse. Also, Chardonnay is one of the three grapes used to make Champagne, so it is grown in the Champagne region in large quantities. Australia produces fantastic Chardonnays from the Hunter Valley, Adelaide Hills and Margaret River, to name but a few. California, New Zealand and South Africa also produce fine, modern examples. As you can see, it is an extremely versatile grape variety and is grown all over the world producing many different styles of wine.

This is a non-aromatic grape variety i.e. it doesn’t smell of anything! Flavours of the natural grape can range from citrus and honey to peaches and pineapple, depending on many factors. Flavour and aromas are added via different processes, such as malolactic fermentation, lees stirring, and barrel ageing. This is why there is such a huge range of styles around the world and these vary depending on the winemaking process used and the country its grown in. Those that have been oaked (either in barrels or with stave chips) produce a buttery, vanilla and toasty style. Those which are un-oaked, produce a minerally and lemon flavour.

Usually light golden in colour but this becomes much deeper with age.

Burgundy, France and California both produce very expensive and high quality Chardonnays. Good quality versions are available from Australia, Chile and all over Europe.

Chardonnay can be drunk on its own or with most foods, especially fish. Buttery sauces that accompany a lot of fish dishes, balance well with oaked versions.