Chardonnay

Widely planted around the world, ranging from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery; particularly prominent in Chablis and Burgundy, France.

What you can expect to taste and smell?

Primary Flavours & Aromas

Cool vs. Warm Climate

Cool Climate: In cooler regions, Chardonnay leans towards bright acidity, green apple, and mineral notes, offering a refreshing, zesty profile.

Warm/Hot Climate: Grown in warmer areas, it tends to express ripe, tropical fruit flavors, sometimes with a creamier, oaked texture. Chardonnay can thrive in both cool and warm climates.

Secondary

• Buttery, creamy flavours will be added from malolactic conversion
• Vanilla, Toast, Ginger notes from Oak maturation

Tertiary

• Nuttiness - from ageing

Appellations / Producers of Note

Explore Chablis, Puligny-Montrachet, and Meursault in Burgundy for some of the finest Chardonnay wines.

Producers: Domaine Leflaive, Bouchard Père & Fils, and Kistler Vineyards are celebrated for their Chardonnay expressions.

Age-worthiness

Chardonnay is delightful when young, expressing its primary fruit and floral character.

Aging Potential: However, it truly shines with age, evolving into wines with complex tertiary aromas and flavors, often with a beautiful balance of acidity and texture.

Meet the author

Damien Saunders
WSET3 award - Has been on a journey to learn more about wine, viticulture since I started travelling. Every country has something to drink.
Find our more about me.