Glassware And Serving Tips
Serve Chardonnay cold, slightly less cold if its oak aged. Serve unoaked Chardonnay in a classic white wine glass. Oaked version will benefit from a wider bowl. Chardonnay does not need to be decanted. Consume unoaked Chardonnay within 3-5 years of harvest. Oaked Chardonnays can age up to 10 years.
Is The Taste Of Merlot A Nice Wine For Beginners
Easily drinkable, Merlot is a great wine for beginners and is often recommended as a first introduction to red wine. As the grape variety is grown in many different countries, Merlot wines are widely available at a range of price points to suit all budgets and occasions. Its a great wine if you want to practice tasting different flavors. Pick a Merlot from a cool and then a warm climate and see if you can taste the differences.
Merlot also makes a nice wine for beginners as its taste profile pairs beautifully with a variety of sweet and savory foods. Try pairing it with
- roast chicken which matches the smoothness of the wine
- a cheeseburger which goes well with the smokey and spicy flavor
- fruits such as plums, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries
Why Should You Drink Chardonnay Wine
Few other grape varieties are produced in as wide a range of styles as Chardonnay. When grown in cooler areas or harvested on the early side, its acidity makes it particularly vibrant. If it’s planted in a warmer climate, or allowed to ripen for a longer period of time, Chardonnay often takes on a delicious sense of decadence. It can be refreshing in the summer and comforting in the cooler weather, depending on which style you open.
And it pairs brilliantly with food. More acid-driven Chardonnays, like the ones from Chablis, are natural partners for fish and seafood raw oysters, sautéed shrimp, and light white fish are excellent with Chardonnay. Richer bottlings of Chardonnay stand up to heartier dishes, and are excellent with veal and many cheeses. It also works well with lemon, whether squeezed onto pasta with garlic and olive oil or whipped into an aioli. Chardonnay even pairs with macaroni and cheese!
Of course, Chardonnay is one of the most delicious white wines to simply drink on its own. Many consumers often ponder the question of Sauvignon Blanc vs Chardonnay, and deciding between the two is easy: Sauvignon Blanc tends to exhibit more grapefruit and herb or bell pepper aromas and flavors, whereas Chardonnay falls more on the melon and autumn orchard fruit end of the spectrum, and sometimes even tropical fruit. Chardonnay also generally has less acidity than Sauvignon Blanc. Both can be excellent it just depends what you’re in the mood for.
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Other Tasting Descriptions For Chardonnay
Consider the following characteristics to better determine your chardonnays flavor profile:
- Acidity: Chardonnay grapes are naturally dry and moderately acidic. Both warm and cool-climate chardonnays will retain that dryness and acidity. However, oak-aged and MLF chardonnay, with its buttery notes, will be noticeably less acidic than unoaked chardonnay.
- Body: All chardonnay contains a medium-to-full body, meaning its weight and texture will be firm and lush without veering heavy.
- Structure: Generally speaking, oaked chardonnay will have a higher ABV with bolder, boozier and deeper dessert-like flavors. Unoaked chardonnay will be lighter and elegant, with a lower ABV amount and a leaner, fruitier body.
- Mouthfeel: Unoaked chardonnay sips will feel relatively light and crisp. Oaked chardonnays, by comparison, will be smoother, softer and more rounded.
- Nose: Chardonnays natural aromas are delicate. Its most pronounced smells often match its primary fruits, giving off notes of fresh citrus to ripe tropical fruit. If oak-aged, the chardonnay will also carry hints of cream, vanilla, butter and baking spice.
- Finish: Nearly all chardonnay types oak-aged and unoaked, cool and warm-climate finish dry and clean.
Chardonnay The Most Misunderstood White Wine
After running a savage smear campaign against California Chardonnay for most of my early twenties, I want to publicly say I am sorry. I am ashamed that I was a registered member of the ABC party , and am embarrassed by my history of vicious varietal discrimination. Like most red-blooded 23 year olds, I was rabidly opinionated and woefully uninformed. I knew nothing about wine except I loved Cabernet, and that all California Chardonnays tasted like butter, they were all oaky, and I hated them all. They were for country-clubbers who loved listening to Kenny G and having a glass with lunch. And no one could tell me I was wrong.
I was totally wrong.
Chardonnay doesnt just naturally taste like a bad batch of beurre blanc. Its actually one of the most neutral grapes in the world. This neutrality allows Chardonnay to be heavily influenced by where it is grown, picking up flavors and characteristics from its soil and climate . And while rich oak was all the rage in the 80s and 90s, today unoaked fermentations such as steel and concrete are just as widely used for making crisp, fruit-driven Chardonnays. Rather than writing off all California Chardonnay, you just have to find your California Chardonnay.
Chardonnay from cooler climates like the Sonoma Coast or Edna Valley are generally crisp and precise, like apple-pear ballerinas dancing with citrus in a stage production called High Acidity.
Smith Story, $34
Wind Gap Woodruff Chardonnay, $45
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How Will I Know If I Like The Taste Of Chardonnay Or Not
You will like the taste of Chardonnay if you like dry, easily drinkable whites that taste tropical and citrus fruits. In addition, it often has notes of butter and vanilla. As Chardonnay is an incredibly versatile wine, its also a great choice for those who are looking for a white wine that will pair with a variety of foods, from aperitif to dessert.
How Does Red Wine Taste
A red wines taste usually depends on the tasters palate and flavor perceptions. Red wine lovers typically disagree about how their beloved drink tastes. Generally, red wine has a sweet, dark flavor.
Some varietals can be bitter and drier than others. Wine enthusiasts consider red wine good if it has the perfect balance of sour, bitter, and sweet elements. However, some red wine varieties have spicy or salty flavors, although rare.
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Chardonnay Wine: A Non
McKenzie Hagan | August 31, 2020
When it comes to Chardonnay wine, its reputation precedes it both good and not so good. Even if you don’t regularly drink this popular white wine, you’ve certainly seen it mentioned in countless mom memes. Or maybe you watched Renée Zellweger use it to drown her sorrows in 2001’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”
Much like once-maligned Merlot,Chardonnay was overproduced for a time particularly in the 1990s leading to its notoriety as a cheap, overly oaky, and “uncool” wine. But this dry and versatile white wine is here to stay, and wine lovers aren’t going to let a few sour grapes ruin the whole show.
In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about this persistent varietal, including where it originated, where it’s grown, what it tastes like, and how it’s produced. We’ll also share tips for how to best enjoy this enduring white wine, including ideal serving temperature, tasty food pairings, and the type of stemware to use.
Where To Buy Chardonnay
Chardonnay wins major points for its accessibility and it comes at all price points so you can adjust your selection depending on how lavish you’re feeling. In a top five list of most expensive white wines from Finances Online, all of the picks except the costliest were Chardonnay but, if your budget isn’t quite so opulent, you’ll still find an abundance of well-made wines to choose from at most places.
Thanks to its widespread availability, you can buy Chardonnay in most any shop that stocks wine. Whether it’s a grocery store, liquor store, or specialty wine shop, chances are there will be a variety of options. When picking a bottle, keep in mind the type of style you want and opt for wines from associated regions. If you read the back label, you should also have some clues about any presence of oak.
After you bring your bottle of Chardonnay home, be sure to store it in a cool, dark spot. While a wine fridge or cellar aren’t necessary, avoid storing bottles near places with constantly fluctuating temperatures, or in direct sunlight. If you don’t finish the bottle after opening it, Wine Enthusiast recommends storing it in the fridge and consuming within two to four days to retain maximum flavor.
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What Are The Best Chardonnay Wines
Proof that good wine doesnt have to be expensive, these are some of the most consistently good Chardonnays for under $25. Cambria Katherines Vineyard Chardonnay. Edna Valley Chardonnay Paragon. Babich Hawkes Bay Unoaked Chardonnay. Chateau Ste.
Is Chardonnay dry or sweet?
A dry wine is a wine with no residual sugar. Chardonnay may or may not fit the bill. There are late harvest versions that are in fact sweet, though many expressions are dry. Some of the Californian , International Style or Burgundian versions are very rich and fruity due to harvesting, extraction, malolactic fermentation and wood.
Does Chardonnay Have Sugar
A glass of chardonnay has about 1.4 grams of sugar. Compared to most sweet wines, this is on the lower side and is similar to other dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Viognier. Whether it is dietary concerns or other reasons, chardonnay is a great choice when looking for low-sugar wines.
Here is more about the wine
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The Decisions The Winemaker Takes To Make Great Chardonnay
Combining these elements, and the subtle ways they can be balanced and finessed by the winemaker, are why I love making chardonnay. Its a kind of alchemy. And I think thats also what makes it the worlds most popular white wine its variability means chardonnay appeals to so many different tastes.
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Experience The Best Of California Chardonnay
If youve sworn off Chardonnay because of some unfortunately over-oaked experiences, you havent had the right bottle yet. But this is it. Our Sonoma Chardonnay wine is the best of both worlds. A New World wine with Old World style and the perfect balance of acidity, minerality, and the lightest hints of oak. Are you a fan of White Burgundy? Do you want your sip to take you back to an era where Chardonnay was at its most refined? Then this is the wine for you.
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Nutritional Information About Chardonnay
Like most dry wines, Chardonnay contains zero fat and protein, up to four grams of carbs from sugars, and some calories from the alcohol, according to Wine Enthusiast. The source indicates that a 5-ounce glass of Chardonnay has about 120 calories, slightly less if it is sparkling. If you’re on a diet, Wine Spectator notes that wines marketed as “skinny” are often merely lower in alcohol. They often lack body and flavor so you might not be as satisfied.
Aside from alcohol, Wine.com points out that wine is mostly water, with a few minerals including manganese, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins. The source warns that unbeknownst to many consumers, wine can contain over 70 additives to make it shelf-stable, without requiring any extra labeling. If you’re looking for more transparency, certified organic wines may be the way to go as they must meet lengthy criteria regarding additives.
What Type Of Wine Is Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a dry white wine grown almost everywhere that wine is produced.It is also often blended with other grapes such as Pinot Noir , and occasionally with Semillon and Chenin Blanc.
Chardonnay is almost two different wines: oak-aged Chardonnay offers a creamy and rich taste while un-oaked Chardonnay provides a lean and dry, mineral-rich flavour.
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Is Chardonnay Wine Sweet
Depending on the elevage of the Chardonnay wine it can be crisp dry or buttery medium dry. Wines which are produced using the malolactic fermentation yield dry to medium dry wines. The absence of acidity/malic acid which is removed during the malolactic fermentation makes them appear sweet.
Chardonnay which is produced without maltolactic fermentation is often described as dry, crisp, or refreshing. The wine keeps its acidity.
Depending on your taste, Chardonnay is a versatile companion as it can be crisp with citric flavors or medium dry with rich fruity buttery aroma and a slight oak note!
What Flavors Pair Best With Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a versatile wine but it is best not to pair it with anything too pungent. Chardonnay pairs best with buttery or nutty mild foods, like meaty fish or shellfish. They also do well with lightly seasoned chicken or pork. Creamy foods like risottos, pasta, and pastries all complement the fruity flavors of chardonnay.
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A Wine For Every Drinker
No matter what kind of flavors you enjoy, there is a wine out there for you. Wines range in flavor from extra dry to overly sweet. They have flavors hitting fruit, earth, nuts, caramel, and more.
With over 10,000 varieties of grapes, there is definitely a taste for everyone. You just need to find what youre looking for.
Chardonnay’s Homeland Is Burgundy
Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of France, and takes its name from a small town in the Maconnais, an area in southern Burgundy that makes relatively inexpensive, high-value chardonnays. Because it is now grown nearly everywhere wine is made, and because we label it by the grape variety rather than the place of origin, we tend to forget that appellations such as Montrachet, Meursault, Pouilly-Fuissé and Chablis are synonymous with chardonnay.
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Is Merlot Sweet Bitter Or Dry
Despite its fruity taste profile, Merlot wines are very dry. After the grapes are pressed, they undergo a full fermentation process which means that little-to-no residual sugar is left in the wine. As a result, merlot wines from cooler climates, such as France, contain more tannins than those from warmer climates and will have a drier finish in the mouth.
How Should I Serve And Store Chardonnay
The ideal temperature for storing a white wine, like Chardonnay, is between 45°F and 65°F. An excellent place to store them would be in your basement, a closet, or a wine fridge. Whatever spot you choose, you will want to make sure that are not in direct contact with fluorescent or natural light!
When it comes to serving Chardonnay, it should be chilled before servings to help bring out its rich flavor and aroma. An oaky, full-bodied Chardonnay would be best served at 55°F while a less oaky, naked Chardonnay should be served and chilled at 50°F. You can take a bottle that’s been stored somewhere not too hot or cool and put it in a refrigerator for about an hour prior to serving to achieve the desired temperature.
Now that you know what Chardonnay is, if youre looking for additional input into what pairs exceptionally well with this or other wines, check out our blog today. And dont forget to check out our currently available wines before theyre gone forever!
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Why Your Chardonnay Tastes The Way It Does
Oak. Butter. Minerals. How did these flavors get into your Chardonnay? If you dont happen to be a master sommelier or a biochemist, its not a naive or trivial question.
Chardonnay is the most popular type of wine in America. Its made in many different places by different methods, and comes with a wide array of flavors and price ranges.
You know how four-door sedans can vary from a tiny Nissan Versa to a massive Mercedes-Benz S Class? Well, Chardonnay is even more diverse than that. Thousands of brands are on sale around the country right now.
But lets leave the confusion behind for a few minutes and discover why Chardonnay tastes the way it does.
Chardonnay is like a clump of high-quality clay that a winemaker can shape into something as simple as a saucer or as sublime as a porcelain vase.
First things first: To be labeled as Chardonnay, a wine must be made primarily from Chardonnay grapes. In California, a Chardonnay must be made from at least 75 percent of the varietys grapes. In the Burgundy region of France, Chardonnays homeland, 100 percent Chardonnay is the norm.
As a grape variety, Chardonnay is something of a blank canvas. Pluck a grape off the vine, and it may taste vaguely like apples or lemons. But if its from a good vineyard, it will also have crisp acidity and a sense of density or concentration.
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How Should I Serve Chardonnay
Like all whites, Chardonnay should be served chilled. If the wine is too warm, the alcohol tastes hot while the flavors are muddled. Too cold, and the aromas and flavors are muted. The best temperature range is 5055°F, which can be achieved by two hours in the refrigerator or 3040 minutes in an ice-water bath. If you dont finish a bottle of Chardonnay, replace the cork and stick it back in the fridge. The flavors will stay fresh for 24 days. Beyond that, the wine will start to oxidize. At that point, its best used for cooking.
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