What does chardonnay taste like? From the sophistication of sparkling wine to the timeless dry white wine. From juicy fruit to buttery, ripe notes. Because of the endless possibilities of interpretation, Chardonnay has become an everlasting classic in every wine lover’s set. Chardonnay is found in a wide variety of disguises everywhere – but why has it become so popular? In this post, we share with you some facts about this popular variety.
What Does Chardonnay Taste Like? 
There’s no simple answer to the question of what does chardonnay tastes like. Chardonnay grapes are the most popular type of white wine found around the world. The taste, flavor, and aroma of it will depend on where it is made and what processing methods are used. Chardonnay has different styles and flavors and remains the main type of grape. Due to its popularity, this fine wine has spread throughout Europe and other places in the world, such as California and Australia. Slovenia can also be sided on the side of the best producers of Chardonnay.
With more and more winemakers discovering Chardonnay, fine wine began to be grown considerably in South Africa and other areas. With it being a non-aroma-type wine, oak seems to work very well with it. The richest and most complex are the French and American Chardonnay, which are also among the preferred white wines. Although it suffers from fatigue, you will love the taste and richness of this wine for a long time.
Is a White Burgundy a Chardonnay?
Although white Burgundy is a popular wine made with the lesser-known Aligote grape, the fact remains that white Burgundy cannot be made without the use of Chardonnay grapes. What this indicates is that Chardonnay grapes have more than a few uses.
The Chardonnay is green with thin skins. Chardonnay is still popular, fermented and aged using oak barrels that add to the vanilla flavor that makes the wine well known. It can also be aged and fermented using bottles, though it won’t be aged as much as red wine.
Chardonnay grapes can also be used to make champagne and other sparkling wines. Although Chardonnay is the most popular wine, grapes still have some uses that lead to really good wines. Oak is also often used with wine, which gives it some great flavors as it ages. Although it may be a bit on the expensive side, it still remains one of the most appropriate types of wine. You can find it at any liquor or wine store – so it is an excellent addition to your wine or beverage collection.
Different Wine Styles Determine What Does Chardonnay Taste Like.
The Chardonnay variety is suitable for different wine styles. It is one of the few white varieties where partial or complete lactic acid fermentation (MLF) may occur, which gives the wine an interesting aroma. MLF is triggered by lactic acid bacteria, which converts the tartaric acid to lactic, giving the wine a softer, more rounded, buttery taste.
More or Less Complexity?
Chardonnay has used a process called battônage to make the wine more complex. After fermentation, the yeast cells coagulate at the bottom of the wine container (lees). The result of carefully blending the lees with the wine feels like a creamy texture and a more intense taste.
Chardonnay With or Without Wood?
Both French barrels and large Slavonian oak barrels allow the development of various aromatic Chardonnay profiles. A wine that matures in these barrels acquires complexity; it is characterized by typical butter and vanilla caramel notes.
Chardonnay, which matures only in stainless steel containers, has a completely different character – it is characterized by typical varietal features: lemon, green apple, and sometimes pineapple. In the world, this type of wine is called “naked,” and the most popular representative of naked Chardonnays is the French Chablis.
A Wine That Speaks to Its Origin
The character of the wine is significantly influenced by the area of growth or, professionally saying, terroir. In Slovenia, Chardonnay found its second homeland. The Mediterranean climate, the coast, the protection against frost, the succulent location, and the careful work in the vineyard allow the Chardonnay to express itself in all its beauty.
When to Offer Chardonnay?
Almost all Chardonnay wines are considered to be chilled, which works extremely well with dishes containing butter and cheese. Wines also have less acid content, which also works well with seafood. You can combine Chardonnay with food, which is why it is so popular. It is also served in many fine restaurants, most notably seafood, and Italian restaurants.
Chardonnays love warm summer evenings and grilled dishes. Because it is a wine that has an endless range of interpretations, it can be served in a wide range of dishes. Most often, it is accompanied by white meat dishes. Chardonnays that mature in oak barrels lend themselves well to smoked fish and spicy Asian food. Chardonnays with a good freshness complement the dishes with tomato sauce. Older and softer chardonnays are more often placed side by side with more “earthy flavors,” such as mushroom dishes or aged cheeses.
How Long Is It Kept in the Home Basement?
Chardonnay is popping up all over the world in many disguises. Drink it soon – if you’re dealing with naked Chardonnay (maturing in stainless steel containers). More complex, barricaded Chardonnays can be further enhanced by maturation in the bottle. For tips on how to keep your Chardonnay in your home basement for a long time, check the wine label tips or ask your dealer.
Quick Chardonnay White Wine Guide
- Chardonnay is the second most common white variety in the world, with about 200,000 ha of vineyards.
- Chardonnay is present in all winegrowing countries – from the US to France, Australia, Italy, South Africa, Chile, Bulgaria, Hungary, and China.
- It is the best-selling white variety in key markets such as the US, GB, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada.
- The aromas range from citrus and apple and peach notes in cooler climates to mature peaches, figs, and pineapples in warmer locations.