Chardonnay varies greatly with climate, soil and winemaking - but it adapts just about anywhere, which is what makes it so popular. Cooler climates like New Zealand and Chablis lead to crisp, acid-prone wines, while warmer climates like Southern California and Australia foster riper grapes that create heavier wine leaning towards tropical fruit flavors. So specific are the soils of Burgundy, the wines of the region show subtle notes of mineral and chalk that belie their origin. Chardonnay adapts itself to oak very well, as one may taste in many of the wines.
Narrowing Criteria: Chardonnay (expand); United States (expand)
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California
Barefoot Chardonnay is a delightful wine with tempting flavors of green apples and peaches. Hints of honey and vanilla enhance the rich, buttery finish.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Central Coast
Intense floral aromas are followed by notes of fresh peach, pear and citrus with hints of toasty vanilla oak. Soft in texture, this well-balanced wine is crisp and refreshing on the finish.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California
Swirl this Chardonnay and indulge in its rich aromas of pear, apple and tropical fruit. Hints of vanilla and toasty oak spices come from oak fermentation, while a floral note is from a splash of Viognier. Sip and discover silky layers reminiscent of pineapple, melon, fig and baked apple. The lingering, fruity finish is laced with crème brûlée nuances. This wine’s lush flavors and crisp acidity pair especially well with creamy dishes; our favorites include clam chowder, smoked salmon angel hair pasta, four-cheese risotto, and chicken with tarragon cream sauce.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Carneros
With deep hues, this wine shows well-developed, concentrated flavors from the long hang times that this unique growing season allowed. Fragrant honeysuckle and pineapple aromas add depth to this medium-bodied wine. Forward flavors of stone fruits, pear and sweet citrus have softness on the palate. Food Pairing: Superb with grilled or broiled fish, chicken and light pork and casual foods such as tapas, paninis and wraps.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Monterey
Displays fresh aromas of citrus and banana with hints of floral spice and creamy oak. The palate is rich with a full entry, finishing long and warm with the ripe flavors of pineapple and mango returning. Partner it with grilled seafood or cheese and fruit.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Mendocino
A hint of oak complements the freshness of fruit and the evident notes of green apple, pear and citrus. Our wine is aged for several months to develop a rich, creamy texture that gracefully balances its fruit-forward character.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Napa
Our 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with fresh, creamy aromas of ripe pear, apple and citrus, with light butter, yeast and spicy oak tones adding complexity. The wine’s rich, focused, green apple, melon and guava flavors are nicely balanced by fresh acidity and a piquant mineral tone. Both mouthfilling and elegant, this quintessential Napa Valley Chardonnay is delectable now, but it will develop even greater complexity with another 5-8 years’ bottle age.