Chardonnay is one of the world's most popular white grapes, being produced in all sorts of styles virtually worldwide. Its ability to adapt to different climates and soils make it an appealing variety for winemakers.

The best-known (and most expensive) Chardonnay wines come from the vineyards of Chablis, Champagne and Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, great value Chardonnay from California and Australia remains among the most popular.

Chardonnay can be crisp and light or rich, tropical and weighty. It loves spending time in oak, and is often fermented and/or aged in barrel, adding toasty vanilla flavors. Unoaked, it can be extremely elegant, with more subtle fruit flavor (think steely Chablis), making it a great match for seafood.

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  Signature Style

  Hard to pin down! Depending on where its grown and the intent of the winemaker, Chardonnay can range from crisp and light with a bright minerality (i.e. Chablis) to rich and weighty with notes of apple pie and butterscotch.

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  Wines to Try

  Le Petit Pauvre, Domaine Dampt Chablis, Raymond Estate, South Ridge Estate

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  Principal Regions

  Burgundy, Champagne, Chablis, Languedoc, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Margaret River

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  Synonyms

  Morillon

Did you know?

• Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape in France.
• Despite its international popularity, Chardonnay is only the second-most cultivated vine in the world (the Spanish variety Airén is first).
• Chardonnay is one of the principal grapes in Champagne.
• Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape.
• If you like Chardonnay, you might also like: Semillon - just as flavorsome, complex and age-worthy. Some of the best dry Semillons are from Australia.