Dutton-Goldfield Walker-Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
This fruity, low-alcohol value chardonnay has a combination of berries, spice, and creamy characteristics.

PROS
Dubbed as a "chardonnay machine," floral on the nose, with notes of quince and acacia honey. Medium-dry body. Dry finish with citrus and flowers in the aftertaste. Alcohol level: 13.5 percent ABV 94 points from Wine Enthusiast (the equivalent of an A+).

CONS
Lacks depth and may not be robust or oaky enough.

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Xanadu Wines 2018 Chardonnay Margaret River Australia

BOTTOMLINE
Zesty & Vibrant
A delightful unoaked Chardonnay from Western Australia with a sharp, citrus flavor.

PROS
The glass has a lovely pale straw color. Lime and lemon scents abound. Tastes bright and vibrant. It goes well with many foods. Excellent value for the money. It may age well if properly stored.

CONS
Some people want more oaked flavor in their Chardonnay.

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Room Wines Napa Valley Chardonnay

BOTTOMLINE
Solid Pick
This is a medium-bodied chardonnay that works well on its own with most meals or drinks.

PROS
The flavors of peach, apple blossom, and pineapple with a buttery texture. For a high-quality wine, this is a lower price point than others. It goes well with nearly everything, especially seafood and cheese.

CONS
It may be too gentle for some people looking for strong, bright whites.

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Lagana Cellars 2018 Eritage Vineyard Chardonnay Walla Walla

BOTTOMLINE
Expert Recommended
From the French-style Chardonnay from Washington State, this wine is energetic, refreshing, and crisp.

PROS
Rather than being aged in oak, this bright and complex Chardonnay is matured in stainless steel. Citrus and flower fragrances greet the nose; hints of pineapple and dried herbs are present. It's an easy-drinking wine with mixed tastes of pineapple and dried herb. Excellent value for money.

CONS
Those who enjoy creamy, buttery characteristics may not enjoy an unoaked chardonnay.

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Buying Guide for Best Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most adaptable and widest-ranging white wines, making it a versatile wine for most enthusiasts. It may be light and tangy or rich and dense, depending on how it's prepared. It can also feature earthy undertones combined with spicy tastes. The weather and soil in the area where the grapes are grown and their ripeness influence how long they take to mature. This means that this green-skinned grape has a lot of versatility.

Chardonnay is the most widely consumed wine grape in the world. It thrives in various climates, including Spain and California, France, and New Zealand. Because Chardonnay has so much to offer wine drinkers, it's crucial to understand the important factors that impact how it tastes and what options are available. It makes no difference if you tried a glass and didn't like it; other chardonnays from the same area might still be delicious.

Our wine buying guide can help you understand all of the tastes, scents, and characteristics that go into various chardonnays to choose one (or more) that you enjoy. We've included a few of our favorites as well.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Characteristics

Chardonnays, while varied, have several characteristics in common. The following are the top five ways to describe and identify wine varieties.

Tannic: White wine does not have a lot of tannins since these may contribute to the bitterness in the wine. Tannins from oak barrels are present in Chardonnay aged in them, but the woody and earthy notes are less prominent than tannins derived from grape skins, which are common in red wines.

Sweet: Chardonnay has a dry texture, white wine with little taste. On the other hand, some varieties are much drier than others, owing to their grape adaptability. Extra sugars may be added to less expensive chardonnay bottles to make them sweeter, although this is not desirable.

Acidic: Chardonnays are medium-acid, with some having a little more acidity and others a little less. Many have citrus notes and maybe quite tart.

Body: Chardonnay is a rich, bold, and creamy white wine with a full body.

Alcohol percentage: Chardonnay has a higher alcohol content than other white wines, with 13.5% to 15% ABV (ABV).

Tasting notes

Chardonnay has a wide flavor range, and it could include any of a variety of fruits, earth, or oak tastes due to its flexibility. Citrus is prevalent: pineapple, mango, jackfruit, and even coconut. Almonds, for example, may be found in several different forms. Those from colder climes are often decorated with flowers, leaves, herbs, or minerals. You can detect vanilla, butter, cream, and other rich and powerful notes in an oak barrel.

Regions

Chardonnay is grown in various locations, including both hot and cold climates. Although it originated in France, it's now produced in Spain, the United States, Australia, Chile, Italy, Niagara Falls (ON), South Africa, and many other nations. The climate of each region, particularly in France, impacts the wine's flavor over time.

Serving

Chardonnay should be enjoyed lightly chilled, around 54°F. On the other hand, Chardonnay oak should be kept at a chilly temperature for longer until it cools to about 45°F. Fill a glass halfway with wine and then top it up to the brim. Pour into a glass with a stem so that your warmth does not warm up the chilly wine inside. A wider glass is ideal for more fragrant chardonnays.

FEATURES

Styles

There are two types of Chardonnay: oaked and unoaked. A third type, sparkling or bubbly, is made from the chardonnay grape.

Oaked: Chardonnays that have been aged in oak barrels are known as oaked chardonnays. They're creamier, fuller, and more robust than wine that hasn't been fermented in a barrel. The wine gains tastes of pepper, vanilla, or butter when it's aged in oak barrels. Chardonnay wines from different climates have distinct characteristics, with some having tropical fruit undertones and others having more citrus notes.

Unoaked: In green fruit and citrus notes, Chardonnay with no oak is similar to pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc. Unoaked Chardonnay is generally produced in cooler areas, with fig, pineapple, and apple flavors.

Sparkling: Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated and consumed sparkling wine variety. The wines are sometimes known as Blanc de Blancs, or "white of whites," because they are only white grapes. Chardonnay can be light and crisp or rich and robust, much like the distinctions between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chardonnay has its origins in France, known as — you guessed it — Chardonnay. The name roughly means "place of thistles."

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ACCESSORIES

Wine glass: Waterford Elegance Chardonnay Glass

On the other hand, different wine types need distinct glasses to be fully appreciated. Waterford's glass is ideal for Chardonnay, showcasing the florals and citrus while keeping the chilly wine's warmth at bay.

Wine chiller: Vacu Vin Tabletop Chiller

Before being consumed, white wine should be cooled. To ensure that Chardonnay tastes its best, this chiller lowers the temperature of the wine to ice in five minutes. It's also a conversation starter on the table.

Insulated thermos: Corkcicle Canteen Thermos

Chardonnay makes a lovely picnic wine on the beach or in a park on a hot day, but it must be kept cold. To keep your wine cool for a full day, get yourself a Corkcicle thermos. It's available in almost four dozen vibrant colors.

Wineglass charms: Fred & Friends Wine Lives Kitty Drink Markers

Keeping track of which glasses are yours may be difficult if you're throwing a huge bash. To assist you in identifying your glass, grab a set of these lovely and inexpensive wine tags.

DID YOU KNOW?

The region where Chablis and champagne are produced is the source of their names. While sparkling wine is often referred to as champagne, this definition only refers to wines produced in that part of France.

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CHARDONNAY PRICES

Unoaked chards are often more expensive than oaked, as the former requires more time, space, and money.

Inexpensive: For around $20, you can get a decent bottle of Chardonnay from within the past year. Avoid low-quality chardonnays that have been sweetened with added sugar to avoid being disappointed.

Mid-range: A good bottle of oaked or unoaked chardonnay costs between $20 and $50.

Expensive: Chardonnay's prices can be extremely high, with rare bottles reaching $100 or more. Only buy in this range if you know exactly what you're looking for and what you'll get.

DID YOU KNOW?

C. H. Wente, an early German immigrant to the United States, brought a Burgundian chardonnay grape clone to Napa Valley in the early 1900s. It is the source of most modern American chardonnays.

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TIPS

• Learn the names of your chardonnays. You're consuming Chardonnay if the bottle reads "Chablis." A champagne bottle might display the phrase "blanc de Blancs," which implies it's likely Chardonnay you're drinking.
• With the proper foods, pair chardonnay with it. Chardonnay may be used to enhance a wide range of dishes, including herb-based fish, chicken, and pork, and vegetarian meals and soft cheeses.
• Note the color. You can draw a lot from the glass's hue. A light chardonnay will be unoaked and zesty, while golden chard will be oaky and creamy. Greens and reds may have a flavor, whereas yellowness indicates fruitiness.
• Experiment! When it comes to Chardonnay, there is a lot of diversity. Experiment with what's available from all around the world and figure out what you like.

OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED

As we've stated, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles and qualities. It's difficult to choose just a few excellent bottles from the hundreds available, so we've included a few more options. This Red Car 2014 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is zesty with a creamy finish and is well-balanced.

The 2016 Louis Latour Pouilley-Vinzelles Les Champs has floral and citrus characteristics with a light oak flavor.

Finally, for a more expensive chardonnay, try the 2016 Domaine Long-Depaquit Les Vaucopins Premier Cru, which is bright, refreshing, and dynamic.

Chardonnay wines mature well and improve with age like most red wines. To let them develop to their full potential, keep them in a cellar for five and ten years.

FAQ

Q. How can I tell if chardonnay is oak or unoaked?

A. Chardonnay doesn't always come right out and indicate if it's oak-aged, so you'll have to figure it out one bottle at a time. Even if the wine is stored in oak barrels, its flavor and characteristics can vary. Look for bottles that say "lean" or "mineral" and have white florals or citrus if you prefer unoaked Chardonnay. Oaked vintages are often described as "rich," "full," "creamy," or "toasted," and may include exotic fruits such as mango or coconut. Furthermore, chardonnays from California, Burgundy, and Australia will almost certainly be oaked, while those from New Zealand, Chile, or colder climes will most likely be unoaked.

Q. What exactly is Chablis wine?

A. Chablis (Shab-lee) is an unoaked chardonnay produced in the Burgundy region of France. It's dry, light, and lean, with typically white, floral, and citrusy flavors. Chablis is also more acidic than other chardonnays. Chablis can differ significantly from bottle to bottle due to the variety and richness of the earth and fluctuations in weather during growing seasons. Therefore it's worth investing time in researching and trying many different ones.

Q. What should I do with Chardonnay if it's not going to be consumed?

A. It should be kept on its side in a cool, dry location if you're saving the container for several weeks or months. Keep it out of the sun and away from high humidity. If you want to drink the wine within a week or two, bottles may be kept in the refrigerator. When it's time to open the bottle, whether kept at room temperature or refrigerated, you can chill or warm it as needed by pouring it over ice.

Q. How long does a bottle of wine last after being opened?

A. Wine experts recommend storing red wines in a cool, dark place for two months.

On the other hand, Chardonnay has a shorter shelf life than lighter-bodied white varieties because it is full-bodied: it only lasts three to five days after opening if the cork or cap is securely sealed and stored correctly.

Dutton-Goldfield Walker-Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
This fruity, low-alcohol value chardonnay has a combination of berries, spice, and creamy characteristics.

Shop Now

Xanadu Wines 2018 Chardonnay Margaret River Australia

BOTTOMLINE
Zesty & Vibrant
A delightful unoaked Chardonnay from Western Australia with a sharp, citrus flavor.

Shop Now

Room Wines Napa Valley Chardonnay

BOTTOMLINE
Solid Pick
This is a medium-bodied chardonnay that works well on its own with most meals or drinks.

Shop Now

Lagana Cellars 2018 Eritage Vineyard Chardonnay Walla Walla

BOTTOMLINE
Expert Recommended
From the French-style Chardonnay from Washington State, this wine is energetic, refreshing, and crisp.

Shop Now