Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, thanks to its number of different styles.
In fact, Chardonnay wines range from lean and chalky to rich, creamy, and aged in oak. Indeed, the success is of this grape variety is partly due to the fact that Chardonnay... Read More
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, thanks to its number of different styles.
In fact, Chardonnay wines range from lean and chalky to rich, creamy, and aged in oak. Indeed, the success is of this grape variety is partly due to the fact that Chardonnay wines are super versatile, producing clean and crisp whites as well as barrel-aged, richer wines. The most prestigious Chardonnays come from its home in Burgundy.
On the nose, unoaked, or ‘Chablis-style’ Chardonnay wines, tend to offer fragrant notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, with some chalky or mineral-like aromas.
Oaked Chardonnay wines, particularly those in the ‘Burgundian’ style, will often present rich aromas of peach, mango, and lemon, accompanied by notes of vanilla, butter, and often a hint of toasted bread or nuttiness due to the influence of oak, malolactic fermentation, and lees stirring.
On the palate, Chardonnay wines offer a broad range of experiences depending on its style. Unoaked Chardonnays are typically lean and crisp, with high acidity, often resembling the freshness of a Sauvignon Blanc but with more body.
Chardonnay grapes are successfully grown in many regions of the world, this is why Chardonnay wines can be made with excellent results both in Old World and New World countries. Particularly popular are the awards-winning Chardonnay wines made in California, USA and Margaret River, Australia.
