They say you cannot buy happiness, but whoever made this statement, forgot about Chardonnay. If you haven’t tasted it, you know nothing about wine yet. Simple yet royal, Chardonnay is the king among white wines. It is the most widely planted white wine grape variety and the most diverse one. To whichever wine region in the world you may travel, you will find at least one vineyard that grows Chardonnay. Either aged for many years or consumed immediately, it is still the greatest white wine on Earth.

This amazing wine originates from Burgundy, France where it is known as White Burgundy and it is the basis for all the region’s white wines. The geography and specific geology of the area contribute to the wide range of Chardonnay styles and makes it so unique and versatile.

The wide array of different Chardonnay, enables wine enthusiasts to have a bottle of it for every season and occasion. You can enjoy it in hot summer days by the pool or chilly winter nights by the fireplace.

Styles

Depending on the oak aging, Chardonnay comes in three styles:

• Crispy – Fresh and pure fruit style with minimum oak aging;
• Oaky – Stronger fruit flavours with predominant and noticeable oak aging;
• Elegant – Smooth and buttery taste profile, featuring and recognized by smooth to complex fruit taste notes.

Although the wine-making process has a great impact on the taste of Chardonnay (oak vs. no oak), its flavour can greatly depend on the level of ripeness of the grapes. Therefore, a very ripe Chardonnay has tropical fruit flavours such as mango, guava and pineapple, whereas barely ripe Chardonnay tastes like a green apple and lemon.

Food Pairing

When it comes to food pairing, bear in mind that each Chardonnay style pairs best with a different food group.

• Crispy Chardonnay pairs best with fish and seafood dishes;
• Oaky Chardonnay is the perfect match for smoked white meats or dishes that are complemented with some creamy sauces;
• Elegant Chardonnay is ideal for meat lovers who enjoy dishes such as pork roast, veal or grilled chicken.

Besides the great food pairing flexibility and the unique flavour characteristics, another fact that makes Chardonnay so desirable is its affordable price. You do not have to spend a small fortune to taste a good, quality wine, as Chardonnay’s prices are somewhere around $15. Pair it with good food and good company to get the best of it. Have fun.