Chardonnay
Rich, creamy and round — the most versatile white.
What Chardonnay actually tastes like
Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine grape on earth, and for good reason: it makes wines in every style from steely and mineral to buttery and rich. Unoaked styles taste of green apple and citrus; oaked styles bring vanilla, toast and tropical fruit. There is a Chardonnay for almost every palate and every dinner.
Why people love it: Buttery, full-bodied — feels indulgent.
Best food pairings
Chardonnay loves cream-based pasta, roasted chicken, lobster, scallops, mushrooms and aged hard cheeses.
Explore pairings:
Beginner tip
Unoaked Chardonnay is lighter and friendlier to start.
Avoid Chardonnay if…
too heavy
Bottles to look for
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Frequently asked questions about Chardonnay
Why does Chardonnay taste so different from bottle to bottle?
Winemaking matters more than the grape — oak, malolactic fermentation, lees aging and climate all transform the flavor.
Unoaked vs oaked Chardonnay?
Unoaked is crisp, citrusy and lighter. Oaked is creamier, more vanilla-laden and richer.
Is Chardonnay buttery?
Only some are — buttery character comes from malolactic fermentation, which converts sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid.