chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety that is grown worldwide and forms the backbone of many wine styles. It originated in the Burgundy region of eastern France and is commonly linked to the village of Chardonnay in the Côte-d’Or. Genetic studies indicate Chardonnay arose as a natural cross between Pinot noir and Gouais blanc.

The grape is late-ripening and adaptable to a wide range of climates, which helps explain its global reach. In cool climates, Chardonnay preserves high acidity and yields wines with lemon, green apple, and mineral notes. Warmer sites produce riper stone fruits and tropical flavors. Winemaking choices such as malolactic fermentation and oak aging influence texture and aroma, while unoaked versions emphasize crisp fruit and mineral character.

Unoaked Chardonnay tends to be bright and steely, whereas barrel-aged examples can be rich and creamy with notes of vanilla, toast, and spice from oak. Sur lie aging—aging on the lees—can add body and a softer, creamy texture.

Regions and styles: In Burgundy, Chardonnay forms the basis of esteemed white wines, with Chablis typically unoaked and mineral, and the Côte de Beaune producing richer, often oak-influenced wines. In Champagne, Chardonnay is one of the principal grapes used for classic sparkling wines. Outside France, it is widely planted in California, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of Italy and Spain, producing a spectrum from crisp, mineral wines to full-bodied, oak-driven styles.