Where is the best Chardonnay from?

France. The world's most revered Chardonnays come from Burgundy, the noncontiguous region in eastern France that also produces pricey, prestigious Pinot Noirs known simply as “Burgundy.” Here, Chardonnays go by many names because they're labeled by geography, not by grape.

Where should Chardonnay come from?

The Origin of Chardonnay

The name 'Chardonnay' does not actually come from the grape. The wine and the grape it's made from both get their name from the commune in the Mâconnais region in Burgundy, which is a region of France. Even to this day, the town of Macon is still dominated by vineyards making Chardonnay.

Where is Chardonnay most popular?

It's the most popular white wine — by far

California had 93,148 acres of vineyards planted to chardonnay in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual report. The next most common white wine grape was French colombard, far behind at 18,246 acres, followed by pinot gris and sauvignon blanc.

What is the best selling Chardonnay?

Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay

This California chardonnay claims to be the most sold chardonnay nationwide for over 25 years. And it's no wonder its popularity continues.

What is the most expensive Chardonnay in the world?

1. “Judgment of Paris” 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonna – $11,325. This was the one of last bottles of 1973 Chardonnay sold by Spectrum Wine Auctions, and was purchased by British based software engineer Jason Corcoran, who desired this bottle to complete his 20 bottle collection of “Judgment of Paris” rare wines.

The Best Chardonnay from the Mâconnais: Burgundy Wine Regions Tasting

How do you pick a good Chardonnay?

Seek out Chardonnay wines that are not aged in oak. Look for tasting descriptors that indicate no oak including lean, mineral, fresh, white flowers, and citrus blossom. Most unoaked Chardonnay should be drunk young, although there are several examples (particularly in Chablis) that will age a decade or more.

What is Chardonnay called in France?

Chardonnay (UK: /ˈʃɑːrdəneɪ/, US: /ˌʃɑːrdənˈeɪ/, French: [ʃaʁdɔnɛ] ( listen)) is a green-skinned grape variety used in the production of white wine.

What is Italian Chardonnay called?

Chardonnay in Italy

Pinot Blanc was called "Weissburgunder" (White Burgundy) and Chardonnay was called "Gelber Weissburgunder" (Golden White Burgundy).

Which region has a reputation for outstanding quality Chardonnay?

France. France is historically the first producer of wines using the Chardonnay grapes. Some of France's best white wines are made from the finest and most used types of Chardonnay grapes in Chablis/Burgundy.

Why is Chardonnay more expensive?

Most wine makers purchase grapes from other vineyards to reduce production cost. But depending on the grape, producers will still spend between $1000 and $2500 per ton of Chardonnay grapes. Each ton produces 2 barrels and makes 25 cases or 300 bottles of wine.

What kind of Chardonnay is buttery?

California Chards have a buttery mouthfeel, low-medium acidity with hints of baked apple, vanilla, and toasty oak. Overall, be it the buttery wines of Napa or the more opulent wines of Burgundy, there is an exotic Chardonnay for every palate!

Why is Chardonnay the best?

Chardonnay brings an impressive range of flavors from the expected buttered, oak influences to the fresh, fruit flavors of apple, pear, tropical, citrus, and melon, leaving a lasting palate impression. Chardonnay has taken some heat, especially in New World growing regions, for being overly manipulated by oak.

What is the best selling Chardonnay in the US?

The Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay has been the number one selling Chardonnay in the USA since 1982.

Is Chablis a Chardonnay?

Bourgogne white wines of outstanding quality, the wines of Chablis are made from one single varietal: Chardonnay. They are sub-divided into four appellations: Petit Chablis.

Is Chardonnay an expensive wine?

Chardonnay and Riesling: The world's most expensive white wines include Chardonnay and Riesling.

Do Italians drink Chardonnay?

Chardonnay has actually been grown in Italy for decades, and it's become the fourth most-planted white wine grape in the country. It's found in both blends and single-varietal wines. Read on to learn a little more and see some of our best Italian Chardonnay recommendations.

Do they make Chardonnay in Italy?

Most Chardonnay plantings are located in the northern wine regions, though plantings can be found throughout Italy as far south as Sicily and Apulia. In Piedmont and Tuscany, the grape is being planted in sites that are less favourable to Dolcetto and Sangiovese respectively.

What white wine is popular in Italy?

The easiest-to-recognize Italian white wine is definitely Pinot Grigio. The Veneto region, where the Candoni de Zan winery is located, is known for its production of excellent Pinot Grigios. In general, this varietal is light, on the drier side, and slightly citrusy on its finish.

What is better Chablis or Chardonnay?

The refined texture of a Chablis wine offers a refreshing mouthfeel compared to the denser Chardonnay. So, if a lighter white wine with zesty citrus notes excites you, go for a Chablis. But if you prefer the toasty flavors of a traditional white, turn to an oaked Chardonnay like the California Chardonnay.

Is Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay?

Pouilly-Fuissé is the home of the finest white wines of southern Burgundy's Maconnais district. They are produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the communes of Chaintré, Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly and Vergisson.

Is Chablis and Chardonnay the same?

Chablis (“Shah-blee”) is a Chardonnay making wine region in the northwest corner of Burgundy, France. Unlike other Chardonnay wines, Chablis rarely uses oak-aging, resulting in a very different style and taste profile. It's because of Chablis' renown that the unoaked Chardonnay style is popular worldwide.

Who drinks Chardonnay?

Chardonnay lovers are usually hard workers, who like to party in equal measure. Chardonnay's such an accessible wine, these drinkers are often great socialisers, who like surrounding themselves with fun and like-minded friends. Think of Sauvignon Blanc as Chardonnay 2.0.

What's the difference between Chardonnay and buttery Chardonnay?

Oaked Chardonnays are rich, full-bodied and have additional flavors of vanilla, butter and even caramel from the oak. A cool climate, buttery Chardonnay will have more citrus flavors versus a warm climate Chardonnay, which will have more tropical fruit flavors.