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Chardonnay
Description
The Chardonnay grape makes the most popular white wines and sparkling wines in the world. Chardonnay is grown all over the world, with major differences in taste and quality.
Chardonnay tends to be fruity, though depending where the grapes were grown the fruitiness can range from apples to more tropical fruits. Traditionally, Chardonnay has been dry, but recently winemakers have been making sweeter varieties. Most Chardonnays are oaky, the result of aging in oak barrels. The exception to the use of oak in aging Chardonnay is Chablis, which has no oaky flavor.
Aging
Chardonnay is usually aged in oak caskets, rather than in the bottle. The best Chardonnay will improve for up to ten years of aging in the bottle, but aging less expensive Chardonnay can actually make the wine worse.
Regon
Chardonnay is grown worldwide, including Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and South Africa. But the best Chardonnay is grown and produced in the French regions of Burgundy and Chablis.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with fish, poultry, or dishes with cream sauces.
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