Sommelier Secrets For Chardonnay
Since the 1980s, big, oaky, buttery Chardonnays from California have enjoyed explosive popularity. More recently, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, towards a clean, crisp style that rarely utilizes new oak. The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a similar bright and acid-driven style. Anyone who doesn’t like oaky Chardonnay wine would likely enjoy this lighter style.
Outstanding Chardonnays You Can Buy For Under $20
Probably one of the most popular grape varietals globally, Chardonnay started in France and today can be grown on almost every continent.
Dominant in Burgundy. Oakless in Chablis. Used in Champagne. Grown in over 30 U.S. states. Chardonnay pairs well with seafood and spicy dishes. It’s prevalent yet received much backlash. Everyone has an opinion on the grape. Love it or hate it.
While the most expensive bottle of Chardonnay sold for over $11,000 as one of the last bottles of Chateau Montelena’s “Judgment of Paris” wines, one can usually find an excellent Chardonnay for anywhere between $15 to $50.
While selecting a Chardonnay, tastes can lie anywhere between toasty and oaky to unoaked and crisp.
But even with Chardonnay’s popularity, some bottle shops try to ween “butterheads” off the wine. “Chardonnay is something we sell the least of,” says Alison Breen, manager at the Tasting Room in the Arts District of downtown Winston-Salem.
“We really try to get people out of their comfort zone, so Chardonnay can be a fun little game,” she says. Some of that fun is leading people from buttery Chardonnays to full-bodied whites such as a Roussane or Chenin Blanc.
Breen admits that the Tasting Room sells more unoaked Chardonnay than its buttery cousin, and one of her favorites is an unoaked wine from Piemonte, Italy. The Tasting Room’s shelves are constantly changing, but according to Breen, there are many great options under $20.
Best Chardonnays Under $15
This is another quality Chardonnay offering from Washington state. You’ll notice that a lot of these Chardonnay recommendations have been from Oregon or Washington. The grape grows extremely well there, and the cool climate gives the finished wine flavors that are reminiscent of French Chardonnay. You’ll see notes of green apple, citrus, and pear, instead of the tropical fruit flavors of California Chardonnay.At any rate, this bottle from Maryhill is another excellent choice, with crisp flavors of apricot, lemon zest, and pear.
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Barefoot’s New Buttery Chardonnay Has Arrived
At Barefoot, we’re always looking to try something fun and new, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Yes, we already have an amazing Chardonnay wine in our Barefoot family, but why not create another? Variety is the spice of life, after all, so its time to welcome the oh-so-yummy Buttery Chardonnay to the pack.
We know you love your Chardonnay, so it’s time to tease your taste buds with a fresh approach lets toast with Buttery!
Lets take a peek at the new buttery kid on the block and see how it differs to our traditional Chardonnay. From the blend and grape source to the tasting notes, let’s dig a little deeper to see how these two Chardonnays compare.
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Best California: 2017 Baileyana Firepeak Chardonnay
Courtesy of Wine.com
This is the part of the list where we give a shout-out to the Edna Valley in Californias Central Coast as a hotbed for awesome and affordable chardonnays thanks to its long, robust growing season and Mediterranean climate. A true standout among them is the 2017 Firepeak Chardonnay from Baileyana. This winery began as a boutique vineyard at its founding in 1973 but has since become an Edna Valley champion.
With elegant peachy aromas, crisp apple, pear and tropical accents, this wine has just a touch of oak. Bold, mildly acidic and with a rich complexity, it pairs well with seafood. Also worth mentioning is that this wine is a pretty great value.
Why Chardonnay Is A Popular Category
Chardonnay is the most planted variety in the U.S. When it comes to sales figures, Cabernet Sauvignon was the number one wine in volume and value in 2020, with $3.2 billion in sales compared to Chardonnays $2.8 billion, according to Nielsen data.
Its a versatile grape with many expressions, from peach and apricot flavors, to wines with tropical flavors. It can be oaked or unoaked, and can be made in styles from simple to rich and complex. Today, many of the bottles on store shelves are much leaner than the rich and oaky Chardonnays of the past. And yet, there are still plenty of wines to be found that offer more than a hint of movie theater popcorn.
I love buttery Chards these days, says Jason Ostrander, a fitness trainer living in New York City. Its nostalgic to the taste that got me into wine in the first place. I had it at a country club in Michigan where I worked and could actually taste fruits and vanilla.
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What Is Buttery Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape that is mainly used to make white wine. It originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is so preferable for winemakers as it is easy to grow. It is like a blank canvas as it allows them to input their techniques and leave their imprint. Chardonnay is the most compelling white wine because it is the red wine of whites. It is very much interesting for its barrel fermentation and malolactic. Buttery Chardonnay is not like the wine is buttery or melted butter mixed with wine. It is strongly associated with wines in California.
Buttery Chardonnay is made with chardonnay grapes. After harvesting these grapes. These are fermented to create alcohol, and they undergo a second fermentation to add a buttery aroma and flavor. This process is called malolactic fermentation because it converts malic acid into lactic acid, which gives the wine a creamy, buttery flavor. Malic acid provides this wine with a tart green apple flavor.
Buttery Chardonnay is reach, bold, and luscious as it is made from juicy ripe grapes. The alcohol content of buttery Chardonnay is, on average, 14.8%ABV. It should be served chilled and crisp. It doesnt contain sugar that messes up with a healthy diet and is smooth enough to drink on an empty stomach. It is not overly oaky, acidic, crisp, or dry.
Which One Is Sweeter Or Drier
If you prefer a drier wine, you will enjoy the regular Chardonnay. These wines are often made in Europe in steel-based barrels.
If you prefer something thats sweeter, the buttery Chardonnay thats been aged in an oak barrel will give you that sweeter taste that youre looking for. This type of wine is also creamier as well.
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Heron Hill Classic Chardonnay Unoaked
Heron Hill Winery
One of many wineries in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Heron Hill has tons of notable wines. But the one that fits this list best is their unoaked classic chardonnay. Its bright fruit notesdisplaying cantaloupe or hints of green apple and lemoncommand a fascinating taste worth trying. Pair this wine with seafood, nutty cheeses, or a homemade shrimp scampi. Its impressive profile far surpasses its price!
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Things To Consider When Buying Chardonnay
When it comes to buying chardonnay, you need to bear in mind a whole range of factors.
Typically, you will find three main types of chardonnay in your local store. These common flavors are both popular and versatile. You can make your purchase based on the chardonnay taste or how well it goes with your meal.
To make the right decision, check out our complete list of considerations below.
Creamy oaked chardonnay
If you enjoy a full-bodied white, we suggest purchasing a creamy oaked chardonnay. These types of wines vary in taste. Some have a richer profile, such as grilled pineapple, lush tropical fruit, vanilla, and butterscotch. Others have a much lighter profile with hints of lemon curd, poached pear, baked apple, and a textural chalky minerality.
Creamy oaked chardonnay goes well with creamy dishes like mushroom risotto, mushroom stroganoff, lobster bisque, chicken, or leek and ham pie.
If you want to ensure you pick up a quality creamy oaked chardonnay, you should seek out a chardonnay that has been aged in oak or both fermented and aged in oak.
You can usually tell something has been oaked because the tasting descriptors will include crème brûlée, vanilla, coconut, baked apple, toasty oak, butter, brioche, butterscotch, or cream.
Also, although some chardonnay wines will age well for ten years, most oaked chardonnay wines should be consumed within 35 years of the vintage.
Citrusy unoaked chardonnay
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Early Mountain Quaker Run Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
The Quaker Run Vineyard is a relatively new site for Early Mountain, a Virginia winery that offers a bounty of high quality varietal wines. Aged for one year on lees in European oak casks, the wine then spends an additional 5 months on lees in stainless steel. Its profile is rich as expected from the style of winemaking but concentrated orchard fruit notes shine bright throughout. Average price: $42. Rating: 94.
Flowers Vineyards & Winery Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2019
From Sonoma Coast, this 100 percent French oak Chardonnay is remarkably perfumed. Honeysuckle and apricot aromas lead to round, honeyed richness on the palate. Bright acidity cuts through each sip, bringing stone fruit and white flowers to the fore once more. This fine wine requires no food but youll want to taste it with a bountiful summer salad. Average price: $50. Rating: 91.
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Which Wine Regions Are In California
From North to South, the main regions are Mendocino, Lake, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Livermore Valley, Lodi, Sierra Foothills, Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.
California is a vast region that consists of several smaller wine-producing areas. Although Napa Valley and Sonoma are what California is most known for, the states other regions produce equally outstanding wines.
Napa Valley and Paso Robles are renowned for the bold reds of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, as well as the scenic wine route which offers unique experiences to wine lovers. On the contrary, Santa Barbara and The Russian River Valley, with conditions more suited to delicate grapes, produce outstanding expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Each of these regions offers a unique take on the wines of California allowing for a greater expression and experience of what the Golden State can truly offer.
Which Is The Better Wine
Buttery and regular Chardonnay are both delicious in their own retrospects. But, as you know by now, both have different profiles and go well with different food. So is the buttery wine better than the regular one? It truly boils down to preference.
Regular Chardonnay is less expensive than the buttery one because its easy to make this kind. The regular one also focuses on the simplicity of the grapes, and thats why you taste the fruitiness. These types can be enjoyed on their own or with a meal that calls for white wine.
Buttery Chardonnay is expensive because its harder to make. The oak barrels have to give off that flavor through the fermentation and malolactic fermentation process to get that buttery flavor. As a result, you can taste the delicious creamy flavors that are enjoyed in oaked chardonnays.
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Seghesio Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
Like a delicious lemon tart, this Chardonnay invites with sweet, zesty, citrus aromas. The similarities between wine and desert continue on its creamy palate, where acidity retains freshness and its 14 percent alcohol content is seamlessly incorporated. This is a standout value pick. Average price: $22. Rating: 90.
How Is Chardonnay Made
As with most white wines, Chardonnay juice is pressed off the grape skins as soon as possible after harvest, thereby minimizing extraction of color and tannins. Fermentation follows immediately, and this may occur in stainless steel tanks or in oak barrels. Chardonnay is typically fermented to dryness. Once fermentation is complete, the wine may be aged in barrels for added complexity. Other winemaking techniques often employed are malolactic fermentation, which imparts a creamy, buttery sensation, and sur lie aging, which tends to soften the mouthfeel and add a subtle biscuit or nutty element.
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Buttery Chardonnay Vs Chardonnay
A glass of Chardonnay goes amazing with seafood or any food thats subtle in taste. But did you know that there can be two different chardonnays? Buttery Chardonnay and regular Chardonnay are different. And today, well explain in greater depth each one so that you can know the difference the next time youre picking out Chardonnay.
How Do You Pick A Good Oaked Chardonnay
The best way to find a good quality oaked chardonnay is to try as many different types as you can before settling on your favorite. You may want to try varieties from different regions or with different levels of sweetness, for example. Keep in mind that most wines are meant to be enjoyed within two years of their vintage date !
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How To Serve Chardonnay
Temperature is key. A wine served too warm will seem out of balance, with the alcohol too hot. If too cold, the aromas and flavors are muted. Fuller bodied styles are best at 55°F, while leaner versions can be enjoyed at 50°F. A half hour to an hour in the refrigerator will do the trick. As for glassware, a classic white wine glass with a thin rim is perfect. The bowl should be moderately large and should taper towards the top.
Best Under $: 2018 Flora Springs Family Select Chardonnay
Courtesy of Wine.com
With its misty mornings and sunny afternoons, Napa Valley has the natural climate for peak chardonnay production. Winemaker Ken Deis at Flora Springs knows how to romance the land to make that chardonnay soar. Their refreshing 2018 Family Select was aged for ten months in French oak barrels, culminating as one of the top bottles representing the region, variety and vintage.
Bold, dry, and easy to love, this wine is creamy, lemony and toasty with a nice mineral tension. Make it a match with shellfish, creamy soups and sauce-covered meats.
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Best Australian: 2017 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay
Courtesy of Wine.com
Between the regulating ocean breezes, the warming coastal current, and the oldest gravel loam soils in the world, Australias Margaret River region on the continents south-western tip has a confluence of ideal conditions for making excellent wine. The folks at Vasse Felix exploit this pristine landscape to their best advantage with their Heytesbury Chardonnay. The 2010 vintage won 11 wine show trophies and put their chardonnay on the map. This 2017 vintage is a delicious continuation of that tradition of excellence and acclaim.
Oaky and buttery, with notes of lemon, grapefruit, peach and honeydew, this bottle harbors both nutty and toasty elements with a crisp acidity. The fruit flavor is strong with this one and its immensely satisfying, boasting a hearty finish on the way down.
Sparkling Chardonnay: Blanc De Blancs
Chardonnay is the most popular white variety used in sparkling wine . Blanc de Blancs matches wonderfully with salty fried dishes from calamari to fried chicken.
Sparkling wines made with Chardonnay are typically called Blanc de Blancs which means white of whites and indicates the color of the grapes used to make the wine. Blanc de Blancs wines range in taste from a richer profile of Meyer lemon, honeycomb, yellow apple, toasted vanilla and hazelnut to a leaner profile of lemon zest, minerals, lime and honeysuckle.
How Its Made and What to Look For
To make a , the grapes are picked a bit earlier to preserve the . After the wines are made the winemaker creates a blend, called a cuvée, which then undergoes a second fermentation within a Champagne-style bottle. Depending on how the wines were produced and how long they age after the second fermentation is what will determine the primary taste profile. The longer the wine ages,
When seeking out this style, look for these clues:
- Seek out 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines
- Pay attention to the length of the tirage to find your style preference
- From Champagne, look for wines from villages in the
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Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019
From the producer that put Cali Chardonnay on the map, following success in the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, this is an exceptional bottle. Oak influence is finely woven into vibrant peach and honeysuckle aromas. An incredible depth of fruit on the palate is seasoned by chalky mineral notes and zingy acidity. This bottle is a must-buy. Average price: $59. Rating: 97.
Some Chardonnay Buyers Also Ask
How many glasses of wine will get me drunk?
Two glasses of wine in an hour will make you legally drunk unless you weigh 250lbs or more. If you want to drink responsibly, drink wine slowly and alternate with lemonade or water.
How do I capitalize chardonnay?
Weirdly enough, wines are capitalized based on origin. If a wine is named after a grape or something, it isnt capitalized. But if its named after a region, then it is. This means that wines like chardonnay, merlot, and malbec are not capitalized.
Is alcohol-free chardonnay available?
Yes alcohol-free chardonnay is available. However, the variety of flavors you get from real chardonnays will not be present in alcohol-free chardonnay. You can find alcohol-free versions of most alcoholic drinks.
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