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At Kendall-Jackson, we know a thing or two about Chardonnay (pronounced shar-doh-nay), as our Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay has been America’s favorite for over 30 years. Whether you're new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need to know in this go-to guide for everything Chardonnay: its origins, flavors, food pairings, the differences between oaked and unoaked styles, and even how to serve it like a pro. Fill your glass and discover why Chardonnay continues to be the world’s favorite white wine.
Chardonnay Quick Facts
For those looking for a quick overview, here are the essentials about Chardonnay at a glance:
- Regions: California, Oregon, France (Burgundy and Champagne), and Australia
- Origin: Burgundy, France
- Taste: Varies from crisp and citrusy to buttery and creamy
- Sweetness: Typically dry
- Color: Pale straw to golden yellow
- ABV: 13-14.5% on average
- Aging: Often aged in oak for depth or stainless steel for freshness
What is Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is a versatile white wine grape that is celebrated worldwide for its ability to adapt to various climates and winemaking techniques. Its flavors range from zesty and citrus-forward in cooler climates to rich and full-bodied when aged in oak barrels.
Unlike more aromatic grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, the aromas and flavors of Chardonnay are more subtle and adaptable. This flexibility allows winemakers to craft a wide range of styles, from crisp unoaked versions to rich, oaked Chardonnays. Check out this blog on what makes Chardonnay so special.
The History of Chardonnay
Chardonnay’s origins can be traced to Burgundy, France, where the region quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality, elegant wines.
As winemakers began to recognize the variety’s adaptability—namely its ability to grow almost anywhere—Chardonnay began to spread worldwide. In the 20th century, Chardonnay found a second home in California, where regions like Sonoma and Santa Barbara perfected unique expressions of this classic grape. Today, California—and notably, Kendall-Jackson—is one of the leading producers of Chardonnay, offering diverse flavor profiles that suit every palate.
Why Should You Drink Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is cherished for its versatility in diverse wine styles and food pairings. Whether you prefer a refreshing, crisp wine, a fruity or mineral style, or a creamy, rich finish, there’s a Chardonnay for you. Its range of styles makes it a go-to choice for pairing with various foods, and its adaptability and approachability have helped it remain one of the best-selling wines worldwide. Plus, with options like oaked and unoaked varieties, you’ll never get bored!
Chardonnay Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
What does Chardonnay taste like? That largely depends on where it’s grown and how it’s made. Cool-climate Chardonnays tend to be light-bodied with bright acidity and characteristics reminiscent of green apple, lemon, and pear. In warmer climates or with oak aging, Chardonnays can be medium or full-bodied, with richer notes of vanilla and tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango.
Chardonnay typically has a medium to full body, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel in oaked versions. It is generally dry, but its ripe fruit flavors can make it seem sweeter.
Popular Chardonnay Wine Regions
California
The 1976 Judgment of Paris, in which a California Chardonnay bested top French Burgundies in a blind tasting, put California on the map for Chardonnay. Since then, regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara have earned global recognition for their Chardonnays, while Anderson Valley more recently has been taking the wine world by storm.
- Sonoma County: Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, this region is known for producing Chardonnay with balanced acidity, freshness, and ripe apple flavors that ensue from a long growing season. Learn more about what makes Sonoma County special.
- Santa Barbara County: Also influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the Chardonnays from here can be crisp or bright or rich and creamy depending on terroir and winemaking styles. There is often a delicious salinity, fruitiness, and textural depth to these wines. Read what makes Santa Barbara County truly unique.
- Anderson Valley: Near the Mendocino Coast, this region is famous for its crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays. Discover serene and rustic Mendocino County.
France
- Burgundy: The birthplace of Chardonnay, where subtle minerality shines. Styles range from lean and crisp Chablis to lush and spellbinding Chassagne-Montrachet.
- Champagne: With its natural high acidity, Chardonnay is one of the three main grapes (along with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) used to produce Champagne. A Champagne made from Chardonnay only is known as a Blanc de Blancs, meaning a ‘white wine from white grapes.’
Recommended Chardonnay Food Pairings
Wondering what food pairs well with Chardonnay? The wine’s versatility offers endless options. For oaked Chardonnays, consider richer dishes like roasted chicken, scallops, creamy pastas, risotto, brie cheese, or even lobster. Unoaked Chardonnays pair wonderfully with lighter fare like grilled fish, fish tacos, salads, and sushi. Sparkling Chardonnay and fried chicken are a match made in heaven.
To create an even more special Chardonnay experience, check out the pairing tips and recipes below. Did you know, for example, that Chardonnay is a perfect match for Buffalo Chicken pizza? It’s an incredible combo!
- Pairing Wine with Summer Fruits and Vegetables.
- Essential Wine with Salmon Pairings.
- The Ultimate Guide on How-to Pair Wines with Pizza.
- Chicken with Apples and Chardonnay.
- How to Pair Wine with Paella.
For more pairing ideas, visit our Entertaining page.
How to Properly Serve Chardonnay
To enjoy Chardonnay at its best, serve it around 50–55°F. (Sparkling Chardonnay should be served well chilled at 43-50°F.) Use a larger, bowl-shaped glass to capture its aromas, especially for oaked Chardonnays. Check out our guide to wine glasses to perfect your setup.
Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are all popular white wines, but they offer distinctly different experiences. Chardonnay tends to be medium or fuller-bodied with rich, creamy flavors (especially when oaked), while Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, acidic, and herbaceous, often with notes of green apple and citrus. Pinot Grigio is lighter and more refreshing, with a leaner body and flavors of lemon, lime, and pear.
The main wine regions for these varieties differ as well: Burgundy and California for Chardonnay; Bordeaux, Loire Valley, New Zealand, and California for Sauvignon Blanc; and Italy for Pinot Grigio as well as Alsace and Oregon (where it’s called Pinot Gris).
At Kendall-Jackson, we also produce a variety of delicious Sauvignon Blancs. Check out our selection of Sauvignon Blanc.
6 Top-Rated Chardonnay Wines Recommended by Kendall-Jackson
Here are our top picks for Chardonnay, categorized by price:
Best Chardonnay Under $30
1. Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
America’s favorite Chardonnay for over 30 years offers a perfect balance of oak and rich fruit flavors.
Bright and crisp, with no oak influence—perfect for those who love a fresher, fruit-forward style.
A lush and luxurious wine with nice minerality, sourced from Santa Barbara County.
Best Chardonnay Under $100
4. Jackson Estate Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
Our Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay is rich and creamy with golden mango, pineapple, yellow peach and honeysuckle flower flavors, plus a hint of tangerine. Oak barrel aging brings notes of buttered biscuits and vanilla bean to the palate and finish of the crowd-favorite white wine.
5. Jackson Estate Cloud Landing Chardonnay
A mineral-driven yet lush, well-structured Chardonnay, sourced from our Cloud Landing vineyard in the persistently windy Petaluma Gap. The cool, long days allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop full flavors while holding onto their acidity.
6. Stature Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Our limited-edition, pinnacle Chardonnay, sourced from two vineyards in Santa Barbara County, showcases the height of winemaking artistry. The Camelot vineyard brings lush, opulent tropical aromas and a creamy, rich finish, while the Neely vineyard imparts aromatically elegant layers.
Shop America’s Favorite Chardonnay
At Kendall-Jackson, we pride ourselves on producing some of the finest Chardonnay wines available from exceptional cool-climate vineyards along the California coast. Our dedication to quality, flavor, and craftsmanship has made us a leader in Chardonnay for decades. Explore our full selection of Chardonnay and find your perfect bottle today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chardonnay sweet or dry?
Chardonnay is typically dry, but it can have ripe fruit flavors that add a perceived sweetness.
How long can Chardonnay be aged?
Oaked Chardonnays can age for 5–10 years, developing more complex flavors over time.
What are the most common misconceptions about Chardonnay?
One common misconception is that all Chardonnay is overly buttery and oaky. Many oaked versions are creamy and textural without a buttery taste, and unoaked versions are typically crisp and refreshing!
Is Chardonnay a good choice for wine beginners?
Absolutely! Its wide range of styles makes it an accessible and enjoyable wine for beginners.
