Beginners Wine Guide: Chardonnay

The Chardonnay grape variety produces some of the world’s most popular white wines, encompassing styles that range from rich and oaky to crips and minerals. For many newcomers to the world of wine, Chardonnay is synonymous with “white wine.” Whether it’s a rich, buttery bottle from Napa Valley, an age-worthy and complex white Burgundy, or one of the countless outstanding examples from around the globe, Chardonnay can do it all. Yet, the recognition of Chardonnay has become easily forgotten Let us remind you why you should remember this versatile grape:

The Chardonnay grape has the remarkable ability to express both the terrier in which it’s grown and showcases the style of the winemaker. Like a chameleon, Chardonnay can span the full spectrum from crisp and refreshing to velvety and generous. No matter what your palate preferences are, there’s likely a Chardonnay that will suit your taste.

Chardonnay has been grown in France’s Burgundy region for the better part of a millennium. In Champagnes, Chardonnay is one of three primary grape varieties allowed, alongside Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Blanc de Blancs Champagne, for instance, is made entirely from Chardonnay. Some notable examples include Chamdeville Blanc de Blancs, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, and Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc.

In Napa Valley and Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Chardonnay is typically crafted in a richer style, often with oak aging and a touch of butteriness (a result of the process called malolactic fermentation) that gives it distinctive depth and creaminess. Remarkable Chardonnay from this region include Raeburn Sonoma Chardonnay, Duckhorn Napa Chardonnay, and Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay.

A variety of styles also originate from Washington State and Oregon, such as Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay, Charles Smith Eve Chardonnay, and Elouan Chardonnay, as well as from regions across Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

This includes Catena Chardonnay, Casillero Del Diablo Chardonnay, 19 Crimes Hard Chardonnay, and Oyster Bay Chardonnay. The Chardonnay grape is indeed a global sensation!

 

If you’re still puzzled by the term “malolactic fermentation”, you’re not alone. Simply put, it’s a winemaking process that lends both red and white wines a richer and creamier texture. While many assume that the buttery flavor and texture result from oak aging, it’s actually a direct outcome of malolactic fermentation. This process involves the conversion of tart malic acid in wine into softer, creamier lactic acid (the same acid found in milk). The result is a wine with a creamy, almost oil-like texture on the middle of your palate, featuring a less acidic profile and a full-bodied, smooth mouthfeel.

In total, no matter what you want to spend or what you’re preferred taste profiles are, there is bound to be a great Chardonnay for you at Luekens!

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