Today's Wine Enthusiast Article

Learn about Chardonnay Wine

The Chardonnay grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around the world. It is at the top, as probably the world's favorite white grape variety.

The Chardonnay grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around the world. It is at the top, as probably the world's favorite white grape variety.

Where It Grows
The Chardonnay grape grows everywhere. The exact origin of Chardonnay is hard to trace, but its reputation was established in the Burgundy region of France. Winemakers love Chardonnay because the vines are easy to grow, and have a high yield. Chardonnay is one of the few grapes in the world that does not require blending. However, it is also blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to produce Champagne.

Wine Characteristics
It is widely known for producing excellent full-bodied wines. The cooler zoned climate Chardonnay grapes produce an abundance of fruit flavors. You can pick up apple, pineapple, or the hint of peach. The warmer climate Chardonnays may have less of the fruits but develop wonderful honey, vanilla, and roasted flavors that really fill the mouth.

Descriptive Flavors

• Apple


• Pineapple


• Coconut


• Pear


• Peach


• Honey


• Yeast


• Vanilla


• Butter


• Toast


• Roasted almond or hazelnut

Keep It or Drink It
Chardonnay is ready to serve when it is sold. Many of the top Chardonnays from California, France, and Australia will continue to improve for up to five years from the time it is bottled. Check the label or the producer's web site for specific recommendations.

Food Combinations
The beauty of Chardonnay is that its high acids and full-bodied nature provide it great food matching versatility. It will go very well with most anything you serve. It is wonderful with fish, especially salmon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Another short Wine Enthusiast review

Learn about Chardonnay Wine


The Chardonnay grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around the world. It is at the top, as probably the world's favorite white grape ...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Wine Enthusiast Products we recommend

Riedel Sommelier Zinfandel/Chianti Wine Glass (1)


The Riedel Sommelier wine glass line is the top-of-the-line series of stemware from the legendary Riedel. Wine experts agree that glassware makes a profound difference on how wines taste. Riedel Sommelier wine glasses are the benchmark and the most successful series of hand-made glasses in the world. Each Sommelier wine glass is individually made of 24% lead crystal: the wine glass bowls are mouth-blown into a mould the stem and base are handcrafted using ancient glass-making methods. The shape of the Riedel Sommelier Zinfandel / Chianti Wine Glass brings out the best characteristics of full-bodied wines rich in minerals and tannins while highlighting its delicate qualities. The wine glass helps the wine gain fruit and suppleness on the palate alongside the acidity and tannins making for a complex finish. Recommended for: Bardolino Beaujolais Nouveau Carignan Chianti Côtes du Roussillon Cótes du Ventoux Dolcetto Lambrusco Montepulciano Patrimonio Primitivo Sangiovese Zinfandel. 8 7/8' 13 3/8 OZ Attention California residents. Proposition 65 WARNING.


Price: 60.00 USD



Headlines on Wine Enthusiast

Icewine keeps event-goers warm (St. Catharines Standard)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:31:19 -0800
Living in the midst of one of the world's top wine regions, California resident Ashlee Klevens is no stranger to mixing fine wine and sunshine. ...]

The Macallan Launches Masters of Photography Collection

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:09:29 -0800
Celebrated Fashion Photographer Rankin Brings The Macallan to Life Through an Essay of Original Polaroid Photography Featured On and Alongside 1,000 Limited Edition Bottles .gallery { margin: auto; } .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } .gallery img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } New York, January 26, 2009 – The Macallan®, the masters of spirit and wood, and R

Syrah PTP

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:40:15 -0800
In coordination with Snooth’s Global Tasting initiative I scheduled our Panel Tasting Program blind event this past week as a focus on Syrah, California Syrah to be specific. With every PTP there tends to be a few wines at both end of the spectrum that are really divisive. This weeks event was no different and in fact several of the wines really polarized the group with people voting for a certain wine as either their favorite or their least favorite without much middle ground. A surprising re

Buy Champagne Online Advice About Champagne And Wine

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:47:01 -0800
January 26, 2009 in Wine and Spirits | Buying Champagne Online As with almost any product, Liquor, Spirits, Fine Wines and Wedding Champagne, can be purchased online.While this can be a convenient alternative to driving to the local grocery or Liquor store, it also comes with its own set of worries.Website shopping on its own brings about a new set of perils to consider.There is always the chance that identity theft can occur, as well as having random thieves accessing your credit card

A Pre-ZAP Zinfandel Face-off

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:56:14 -0800
In honor of the Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) show, taking place next weekend, January 28th – 31st, I thought I would do a quick wine review face-off between two producers who will be pouring at ZAP. Clos LaChance This is a winery with many irons in the fire and an eye on growth. I ran across them for the first time while in California recently and then subsequently found them in my local market. They have taken the traditional route to growth by segmenting their wines with a “S

Family vacations: 5 family favorites in Orlando

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:59:04 -0800
By Jim Cohn If you're planning a family vacation to Orlando, there's plenty to experience beyond the theme parks. Having lived there for almost 10 years, I got the chance to explore outside the typical tourist zones. Here are five of my family favorites: Favorite museum/indoor attraction -- Orlando Science Center is located in downtown Orlando, about a 20-minute drive or so from the attractions. This is a great place to visit with kids, especially on a really hot or rainy day when you’re l

Marques de Riscal 2001 Baron de Chirel - Tempranillo Red Wine

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:58:25 -0800
Red Wine by Marques de Riscal from Rioja, Spain. Dark violet in color, with plenty of wood smoke and earth to the nose, which also offers tobacco and mushroom. Dynamic on the palate, with ripe cherry and blackberry flavors. Sort of airy on the finish, with mocha and chocolate. Hefty throughout, with nice tannins. 91-Points Wine Enthusiast- October 2005 USD 50.00 | Rioja | Read more...


Elderberry Wine
Wine Vineyards
Dessert Wines | Drinking Wine

Labels: Drinking Wine | Dry Wine

Posted by Jonathan Smithson | 0 comments