Chardonnay wine

Chardonnay is one of the most beloved grapes worldwide. From Burgundy to California and from South Africa to Chile, this grape feels at home everywhere, always revealing a different side. At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Chardonnay in every style, from fresh, fruity, unaged varieties to rich, buttery wines aged for months in oak barrels.

What is Chardonnay?

Chardonnay is a white grape variety originating in Burgundy, now grown in virtually every wine region worldwide. It's a versatile grape that easily adapts to climate and winemaking methods. As a result, Chardonnay can be both taut and minerally, as well as full and creamy.

Origin and vineyards

Chardonnay's classic origins lie in Burgundy, with famous appellations like Chablis, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. Outside of France, the grape is widely grown in California, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and Italy, among other countries. In cooler climates like Chablis or Limoux, Chardonnay offers crisp acidity and subtle citrus aromas, while warmer regions like Napa Valley or Stellenbosch deliver ripe tropical fruit notes and a fuller mouthfeel.

Grape and style

Chardonnay offers a variety of styles, depending on the winemaking process. Non-oaked, the wine is often light in color with a pale lemon-yellow sheen and fresh aromas of apple, pear, and citrus.

When aged in oak (oaked), the wine develops a deeper golden color due to oxidation and contact with the wood. Creamy notes of vanilla, butter, and toast also emerge. This versatility makes Chardonnay one of the most recognizable white wines in the world.

Storage and serving

Non-oaked Chardonnay is typically at its best within three to five years of harvest, while oak-aged varieties can age considerably longer. Top wines from Burgundy or Napa Valley often have a aging potential of ten years or more. Serve Chardonnay chilled, around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius (50 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit) for fresh styles and 12 to 14 degrees Celsius (56 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit) for oak-aged wines.

Buy Chardonnay at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find a wide selection of Chardonnays, from minerally Chablis to rich, oak-aged Meursaults and expressive New World varieties. This way, you can always choose the style that best suits your taste or dish.