The taste of Chardonnay has wide appeal, whether you’re a lifelong wine enthusiast or a casual connoisseur of the occasional glass. Many wine lovers agree that Chardonnay is a delightfully versatile white wine that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s one of the most popular white wines in the world, and for good reason.
What does Chardonnay taste like? The great thing about this wine is that there are many options to choose from, ranging from fruity to dry.
At Wine Cellar Group, we have an extensive Chardonnay selection to pick from. In this guide, we'll cover the basics of what a Chardonnay wine is, the different flavor profiles, the best foods to pair it with, and how to properly store your drink for optimal flavor.
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What is Chardonnay?
The history of Chardonnay takes us on a journey all the way back to the 1600s, where we see the first mentions of the beverage. The exact origins of the grape variety used is still a little foggy; some people wonder if it was imported to France from places like the Mediterranean or The Middle East.
However, recent genetic testing on these grapes revealed that they’re a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc.
That distinct Chardonnay taste relies heavily on the techniques used to make the beverage. The two most common methods are oak-barrel aging and malolactic fermentation, both of which add distinct spiced or buttery notes.
Oaked vs. Unoaked Chardonnay
To make Chardonnay, the grape juice needs to sit and ferment for an extended period of time. The vessel it sits in can drastically change the flavor profile of the finished product.
When you think of storing wine, you often think of the iconic oak barrels lined up on massive shelves in a wine cellar. These barrels allow oxygen to pass through, and that, paired with the oak of the barrel, creates a deeper Chardonnay with notes of vanilla and spices from the oak.
On the other hand, some winemakers want a drink that’s bright and crisp, so they let their wine ferment in a stainless steel drum. This reduces the exposure to oxygen and creates a lighter, unoaked Chardonnay with more delicate aromas.
Oaked Chardonnay
As the name suggests, oaked Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels that add a deep, creamy flavor to the finished product. The primary regions that specialize in oaked fermentation are Napa Valley in California, Burgundy, and Australia.
When the wine sits in the oak barrels, the wood itself adds subtle hints of flavor. This creates a buttery Chardonnay with rich notes of spice, caramel, and vanilla.
If you’re interested in trying a luscious oaked Chardonnay, consider our Fine Form Chardonnay. This classic white wine combines honeysuckle and caramel with toasty oak notes for a luscious sip that dances across the palate.
Unoaked Chardonnay
In comparison, unoaked Chardonnay is aged in a stainless steel drum that limits oxygenation. Since the wine doesn’t come into contact with any wood, the finished product doesn’t have those oaky or spiced notes. The primary flavor profiles are bright and fruity with notes of green apple and citrus.
For a versatile unoaked Chardonnay that’s perfect for any occasion, consider our Tussock Jumper Chardonnay. This lovely, golden drink has delicate notes of apricot, green apple, and pear.
Sweet vs. Dry Chardonnay
Is Chardonnay sweet, or is it dry? The short answer is: it depends!
The great thing about Chardonnay is that every bottle is different, and there is a long list of options to choose from. Finding the right bottle for you is as simple as knowing your preferences—like whether you prefer a sweet or dry wine.
When wine ferments, yeast converts the sugars from the juice into alcohol. When most of the sugar is turned into alcohol, this creates a dry wine. However, some residual sugar may be left behind, and more sugar means a fruitier finished product.
Sweet Chardonnay
The higher the sugar content in the wine, the fruitier the finished product. Late-harvest or dessert Chardonnays typically have flavor profiles with notes of honey, caramel, vanilla, and tropical fruits.
The regions that typically produce most of these beverages include California, France, and Germany.
Dry Chardonnay
As more sugar is converted into alcohol, the drier the final wine will be. A Chardonnay that’s labeled as a dry variety has minimal residual sugar and a crisp finish.
You can expect hints of citrus, mineral, green apple, and pear that are light on the tongue. The key regions where these Chardonnays come from include Chablis in France, South Africa, and Chile.
Here are a few dry Chardonnay options from our extensive collection at Wine Cellar Group that are perfect for any flavor preferences:
Le Champ des Etoiles Chardonnay: This spicy, rich wine has notes of citrus paired with a hint of minerality that creates a crisp yet soft taste.
RedHeads Harmonie Rox Chardonnay: Fermented in French Oak, this creamy Chardonnay is balanced with citrus flavors including nectarine and peach stone fruit.
Sunny Farm Chardonnay: For a delicious and crisp golden apple flavor with hints of pear and peach, this unoaked Chardonnay lets the true flavors of the fruits shine through.
Buttery vs. Crisp Chardonnay
After the initial fermentation, where yeast converts sugar to alcohol, winemakers may choose to put the wine through a second fermentation called “malolactic fermentation”.
This process converts malic acid into lactic acid, creating a rich, buttery flavor profile.
If you want a crisper wine, look for a bottle that doesn’t use malolactic fermentation.
Buttery Chardonnay
Lactic acid has a creamier flavor than malic acid, which gives the Chardonnay that classic smooth finish. Wine connoisseurs can expect to enjoy a nice glass of wine with notes of vanilla, butter, and brioche. California and Australia are the primary producers of these creamier wines.
Our Lost Isle Chardonnay combines the best of both citrus and smoothness. The lemon and mango flavors end with a creamy finish that coats the tongue and creates a satisfying sip.
Crisp Chardonnay
A crisp Chardonnay has higher acidity levels and more malic acid, creating that lean and fresh taste. The fruit is often the star of the show, with crisp citrus and green apple flavors and notes of mineral.
For a crisp bottle of Chardonnay with a light finish, consider our Aymura Chardonnay. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of melon and tropical fruits, which pair well with creamy pastas or fresh seafood.
Sparkling Chardonnay
Chardonnay grapes are one of the most popular varieties to use when making Champagne and other sparkling wines. Their brightness and acidity make for a stunning bubbly beverage that many wine enthusiasts enjoy around the world.
Our Les Allies Sparkling Brut at Wine Cellar Group pairs acidity with spice that also carries hints of toasted brioche and ripe melon. It is the perfect, budget friendly alternative to a Champagne.
Chardonnay Food Pairing Tips
Chardonnay’s versatility and expansive flavor profiles mean there are plenty of wine pairings you can try with different foods. There’s a bottle out there that pairs perfectly with your favorite dish to create a breathtaking dining experience.
Classic food pairings that work with Chardonnays include poultry, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes. If you’re not sure where to start with Chardonnay, think about the foods you enjoy eating and look for a bottle that complements the meal.
Storing and Serving Chardonnay
Chardonnay is meant to be enjoyed fresh and young. Store your wine bottles in a cool area away from direct sunlight or high humidity for a long-lasting and refreshing beverage.
When you’re ready to enjoy a glass, let the bottle chill down to around 55°F before serving. Sipping when the drink is cool but not cold allows the flavors to expand and open up more.
At the end of the day, it’s your Chardonnay and your enjoyment. You want to enjoy your glass after a long day, so serve it how you want to. As long as you’re happy and love the way it tastes, that’s all that matters!
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