Chardonnay: what it tastes like
Chardonnay is the most versatile white grape, and its taste depends heavily on the style. Unoaked it is fresh and mineral: green apple, lemon, pear. Oaked it is buttery and rich: vanilla, butter, tropical fruit. The body runs medium to full with medium acidity.
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Taste profile
- Colour
- white
- Body
- medium to full
- Acidity
- medium
- Sweetness
- dry
Aromas
What to pair with
- poultry
- fish in cream sauce
- crab and lobster
- pasta carbonara
- soft cheeses
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FAQ
Why does Chardonnay vary so much?
It comes down to style: unoaked it is a fresh, light wine, while barrel ageing and malolactic conversion bring butteriness, vanilla and body. One grape, two very different tastes.
Is Chardonnay dry?
Almost always. Any impression of sweetness comes from ripe tropical aromas and oak vanilla, not from sugar.