Chardonnay 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Iconic White Wine

The C word on a wine label stands for one of the world’s most popular white grape varieties. The beauty of this wine lies in its versatility. Its taste and profile change a lot depending on where it’s grown. Since it’s grown in different regions throughout the world such as Burgundy – France, California and all the way down to Australia and New Zealand, there are different styles of this white wine and that means that there is one there for you too.

If you’re eager to experience the magic of this white grape variety, you’ll find a remarkable selection of Chardonnay wines available across Australia, just waiting for you to discover your next favourite bottle of this delightful indulgence.

The Origin of Chardonnay and Regional Variations

a glass of Chardonnay wine with a background of the vineyard
source: linkedin.com

One of the most planted white wine grape varieties in the world originates from the Region of Burgundy, France. It first gained prominence in the Middle Ages and once winemakers discovered that this variety of grapes could thrive in different climates, it soon led to its spread beyond France’s borders.

Today, Chardy is cultivated in various wine-producing regions ranging from California – US, Germany – Europe, to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile. While Burgundy remains the benchmark for Chardy, travelling through different regions where this wine is produced reveals a rich complexity and minerality that delights the palate.

For instance, if you go to Burgundy where it was originally produced, you can taste high acidity with mineral notes and green apple flavours. If you go further to Cote de Beaune in the Region of Burgundy, you can taste richer notes of ripe stone fruit, buttery oak and a creamier texture.

Moving to California, USA, particularly in the regions Napa Valey and Sonoma County, you can expect ripe flavours, often showcasing tropical fruits, vanilla and buttery notes as the warmer climate allows the grape to develop richer flavours.

Going across continents we arrive in Australia – particularly in regions Margaret River, Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills, known for producing the finest Charddy wines on the mainland. The Australian climate allows for the wine to develop zesty citrus notes such as lemon and lime, combined with notes of peach and nectarine. Also, many winemakers use oak aging in the making process, which adds layers of complexity with hints of vanilla, toast and creaminess.

Whether you prefer bright citrus notes or a more restrained style with a focus on elegance and freshness, in Australia, you can find it all.

Is Chardonnay Wine Sweet or Dry?

Although Chardy is typically fermented dry, it can be both sweet and dry depending on the winemaking process and the region where is produced. While it’s predominantly a dry white wine, when it’s a late harvest, the grapes tend to be overripe. This may result in higher sugar content which gives a sweet taste to the wine. Regardless, Chardy remains to be typically produced as a dry white wine and if you looking for that specific flavour, it; ‘s helpful to check the wine label to ensure that you find a bottle to your taste.

Is Chardonnay a Riesling?

No, Chardy does not have any resemblance to Riesling as those two are two different grape varieties with different flavour profiles. The first difference lies in the region where the wine is produced. Riesling is originally produced in Germany and is characterised by aromatic qualities often featuring floral notes, stone fruits and citrus. This variety can range from dry to sweet and very sweet.

Chardy, on the other hand, is most commonly produced as a white dry wine enriched with a wide range of flavours ranging from green apple and pear to tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. It can also exhibit buttery, creamy and oaky notes if aged in barrels.

Styles of Chardonnay

person pouring chardonnay into a glass
source: foodandwine.com

Oaked vs. Unoaked: Differences, Impact on Flavour and Texture

Oaked Chardonnays are fermented in barrels made from oak, hence, the oak taste. They typically exhibit buttery notes due to their interaction with oak. These creamy flavours are often associated with malolactic fermentation, where malic acid is converted into lactic acid during the ageing process.

Another characteristic of oak-aged wines is that they often can have flavours such as vanilla, caramel and baking spices. Sometimes the vanilla and caramel notes can falsely give the illusion of the wine being sweet, when in fact is dry.

Unoaked Chardonnays are fermented in stainless steel or neutral vessels which allow the grape to fully express its characteristics without the influence of oak. This results in a crisp and fresh profile, often displaying vibrant acidity, with fresh fruit flavours of green apple, lemon, lime and pear.

Unoaked varieties feel refreshing and easy to drink, often accompanied by floral aromas and subtle herbaceous notes.

Food Pairing With Chardonnay

Since Chardy boasts a range of profiles and flavours, this white wine pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. A glass of Charddy goes well with seafood including grilled fish, shrimp and shellfish, poultry whether roasted, grilled or sauteed, creamy pasta such as Alfredo or carbonara, creamy and aged cheese varieties, fresh salads, particularly those with citrus dressings as well as grilled or roasted vegetables.

So, sit back, relax and raise your glass to a beautiful start or end to your day.