What are some chardonnay styles that you should try?
- Unoaked Chardonnay
- Oaked Chardonnay
- Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
- Sweet Chardonnay
- Chardonnay from Burgundy
Overview
- Chardonnay is the world's most popular white wine, known for its diverse expressions from crisp and refreshing to rich and creamy.
- Unoaked Chardonnay, like Oxford Landing 2021, highlights the grape's pure fruit and mineral qualities, ideal for lighter dishes.
- In contrast, oaked Chardonnay, such as Wente Morning Fog 2021, offers rich flavors like vanilla and butter, perfect for hearty meals.
Chardonnay is celebrated as the world's most popular white wine, and for good reason. From crisp and refreshing to rich and creamy, Chardonnay offers a delightful experience for wine lovers around the globe.
However, it would be a bore to limit your exploration to just the classic Chardonnay as it is. The beauty of this grape lies in its ability to transform, allowing you to discover different expressions that highlight its unique characteristics.
This article will serve as a guide to the different Chardonnay styles you should try and get delivered now.
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Unoaked Chardonnay
Unoaked Chardonnay is a refreshing and vibrant style of wine that showcases the pure essence of the Chardonnay grape. Unlike its oaked counterpart, which is aged in barrels that impart rich, buttery flavors, unoaked Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel or neutral vessels, allowing the wine's natural fruit and mineral characteristics to shine through.
The Oxford Landing Chardonnay 2021, for example, is an Australian wine that exemplifies the unoaked style with its bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from grilled seafood to light salads, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
If you're looking to explore the world of Chardonnay beyond the traditional oaked versions, trying an unoaked Chardonnay like Oxford Landing is a fantastic way to appreciate the grape's true character and enjoy a refreshing wine experience.
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Oaked Chardonnay
Aged in oak barrels, Chardonnay develops rich flavors of vanilla, butter, and toast, with a smoother mouthfeel from malolactic fermentation. This full-bodied wine pairs well with hearty dishes like roasted chicken, creamy pasta, or lobster bisque, offering a balance of ripe fruit and a buttery finish for an indulgent white wine experience.
Two excellent examples of these are Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2021 — which offers a harmonious blend of tropical fruit and subtle oak, providing a creamy texture that enhances its vibrant flavors, and the Yarden Chardonnay 2020 that showcases a more pronounced oak influence, with notes of vanilla and spice complementing its rich fruit character.
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Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
"Blanc de Blancs," meaning "white from whites," highlights the use of 100% Chardonnay grapes. This sparkling wine offers vibrant flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and honeysuckle, with fine effervescence and crisp acidity, making it ideal for celebrations or casual gatherings.
For those looking to explore this sparkling style, the Charles De Cazanove Tradition Pere & Fils Blanc De Blancs Brut is an excellent choice. This Champagne offers a harmonious balance of fruitiness and minerality, with a crisp finish that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from seafood to light salads. Its dry nature, characterized as "Brut," makes it versatile for both celebratory toasts and casual sipping.
Sweet Chardonnay
Unlike the more commonly known dry versions, sweet Chardonnays are crafted to retain a higher level of residual sugar, resulting in a luscious and fruit-forward profile.
This style often features vibrant flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey, and tropical notes, making it an excellent choice for those with a sweet tooth. The balance of sweetness and acidity creates a refreshing finish, allowing the wine to pair beautifully with various dishes, especially fruit-based desserts, cheeses, or even spicy Asian cuisine.
A great example of a Sweet Chardonnay is the Gossips Chardonnay 2021, sourced from South Eastern Australia. It boasts inviting white peach and citrus aromas, complemented by fresh peach and melon flavors on the palate. A subtle touch of oak adds creaminess, balancing its medium body and refreshing finish. Chicken and Asian-style dishes are a perfect pairing for this versatile Chardonnay.
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Chardonnay from Burgundy
Burgundian Chardonnay, considered the gold standard for this grape, highlights the region's unique terroir with its emphasis on minerality and finesse. Featuring flavors of crisp apple, citrus, and subtle floral notes, this elegant style pairs beautifully with dishes ranging from seafood to creamy kinds of pasta.
If you're looking to experience the exceptional qualities of a Burgundy Chardonnay, Bouchard Pere & Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay La Vignee is the one you have to put on your must-try list. This wine exemplifies the classic characteristics of white Burgundy, offering a delightful balance of fruit and minerality with a hint of oak that enhances its complexity without overwhelming it.
Key Takeaway
Chardonnay is an incredibly versatile grape, producing a range of wines from crisp and vibrant unoaked styles to rich and creamy oaked varieties. Sampling different Chardonnay styles reveals the remarkable diversity of this beloved grape, making each sip a unique experience.
Ready to explore the full spectrum of Chardonnay? Visit Ralph's Wines & Spirits and discover our curated selection of the finest Chardonnays from around the world. Shop with us now!
