Encyclopedia · White grape

Chardonnay.

A neutral fruit platform shaped almost entirely by site and winemaking. Low aromatic compounds of its own — acidity, oak treatment, and terroir do the talking.

Structure

Acidity med–high · Alcohol med–high · RS bone dry

France

Chablis

Climate Cool continental. Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils.

Style Unoaked or neutral oak. Minimal or no MLF. Reductive, lean, high-acid.

Tell Saline, wet stone, lemon pith, green apple, piercing acidity

Côte de Beaune

Climate Temperate continental. Limestone marl with east/southeast exposure.

Style Full MLF. New to moderate French oak. Bâtonnage common. Fuller, rounder.

Tell Hazelnut, toasted brioche, ripe stone fruit, crème brûlée, integrated oak

Mâconnais

Climate Warmer continental than Chablis. Clay-limestone.

Style Mostly unoaked or light oak. MLF standard. Approachable, fruit-forward.

Tell Yellow apple, ripe pear, subtle cream, mild acidity, gentle stony minerality

Pouilly-Fuissé

Climate Southern Mâconnais. Limestone hills around Solutré and Vergisson. Warmer than northern Mâcon.

Style MLF standard. Light to moderate oak. Richer texture than generic Mâcon.

Tell Ripe yellow apple, peach, toasted hazelnut, honey, creamy mid-palate texture

USA

Russian River Valley

Climate Cool. Fog-driven maritime influence from Petaluma Gap.

Style Full MLF. Moderate new oak. Richer than coastal but retains acid.

Tell Ripe apple, peach, lemon curd, toasted oak, creamy texture

Sonoma Coast

Climate Cool maritime. Direct Pacific exposure.

Style Restrained oak. MLF variable. Leaner, more mineral-driven than RRV.

Tell Citrus zest, white peach, saline edge, taut acidity, subtle toast

Napa Valley

Climate Warm. Diurnal shift moderate. Valley floor warmer than hillside.

Style Full MLF. Generous new oak. Rich, opulent.

Tell Ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, broad creamy texture, heavy oak, low acidity

Australia

Margaret River

Climate Maritime Mediterranean. Indian Ocean moderation.

Style Full MLF. Moderate new oak. Structured, age-worthy.

Tell White peach, grapefruit, toasted cashew, firm acidity, savory finish

Yarra Valley

Climate Cool continental. Elevation-driven in upper sub-regions.

Style Light to moderate oak. MLF variable. Restrained, high-acid style.

Tell Grapefruit and stone fruit, flint-reductive note, brisk acid, fine-grained oak

Adelaide Hills

Climate Cool. Mt. Lofty Ranges elevation offsets South Australian heat.

Style Light oak or unoaked. High acid retained. Fresh.

Tell Citrus and white nectarine, brisk acid line, restrained oak, stony mineral precision

Producers in our portfolio working with Chardonnay

Want to taste Chardonnay from a working portfolio? Book a tasting with one of these producers via their Pour Advice page.

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