Wines of the World: Focus on Chardonnay
A true giant of the wine world, few wines have made a name for themselves quite like Chardonnay. Remarkably diverse, it seems as though there’s a Chardonnay for everyone. No matter your specific wine tastes and preferences, there’s a bottle of Chardonnay out there that you’re sure to love. Join us as we journey through the wines of the world and explore the style and beauty of timeless Chardonnay.
Wines of the World: Chardonnay
First crafted by monks in the 12th century, Chardonnay has seen an incredible amount of development and growth over the years as winemakers from near and far have experimented with this versatile wine. So many factors impact the final result of a bottle of Chardonnay, and these wines beautifully showcase everything from the unique terroir of the land to the intentional choices of each winemaker.
While America saw a downturn in the popularity of Chardonnay in the 1990s, winemakers have continued to elevate their techniques in crafting Chardonnay, and today, elegant Chardonnay wines are some of the most popular in the world.
Old World vs. New World
One of the prevailing white wines on the market across the globe, Chardonnay is known for its diversity. If you think that you don’t like Chardonnay, think again – you might just prefer a different style. Whether you want a light and acidic wine or are in the mood for something rich and creamy, Chardonnay can be crafted in so many ways – and the results are exquisite.
Made from white Chardonnay grapes, Chardonnay wine can be made in either an Old World or New World style. Old World wines tend to be higher in acidity and lower in alcohol content, while New World wines are lower in acidity but higher in alcohol content. Old World wines feature more minerality, while New World wines more strongly showcase bold fruit flavors.
Chardonnay can be oaked or unoaked, which also affects the final results of the wine. Oaked Chardonnays are rich, creamy, and full-bodied, while unoaked Chardonnays are bright, crisp, and refreshing, with a higher acidity that resembles a Sauvignon Blanc.
Taste and Color Profiles of Chardonnay
The tasting notes found in Chardonnay are heavily dependent both on where the grapes were grown as well as the production style of the winery at which it was crafted. Chardonnay is a fruit-forward wine, and can exhibit a range of notes, from orchard fruits like apples and pears, to citrus flavors of orange and lemon, to tropical fruits, such as mango or pineapple.
Additionally, wines that have been oaked often have a sweet, buttery taste, with hints of vanilla or caramel. If you’re unsure of how to know whether your wine has been oaked or not, look to its color – wines that have been unoaked will be a pale yellow/gold color, while wines that have been oaked present a richer, deeper gold hue. The lighter the wine’s color, the more fresh and acidic it will taste.
Oaked Chardonnays will also have a fuller, creamier mouthfeel than their bright, acidic unoaked counterparts.
Where in the World Is the Best Chardonnay?
One of the most widely produced wine grapes in the world, it’s no wonder that there are so many different styles and expressions of Chardonnay. Choosing the best Chardonnay often comes down to a matter of preference – whether you prefer Old or New World Chardonnay, which tasting notes you prefer to be at the forefront, etc. – but here are just a few spots that produce Chardonnay that’s hard to beat.
Napa Valley
Say we’re biased all you want, but it’s true – Napa Valley is home to some of the best Chardonnay in the world, and here at Davis Estates, we’re proud to be one of the finest producers of Napa Valley Chardonnay.
As Napa is the winemaking capital of the US, you can find a wide variety of Chardonnays here in the valley. Winemakers from all over the world have brought their unique techniques to Napa, and you can find Chardonnay crafted locally in both Old and New World styles. Here at Davis, our Chardonnay features golden tones of brown sugar and banana cream pie, bright, yet silky, with flavors of coconuts, almonds, apple butter, and a hint of vanilla.
Burgundy, France
The birthplace of Chardonnay, it’s impossible to talk about this iconic white wine without going back to its roots. Winemakers have been gaining inspiration from Burgundy’s wines for centuries, and rarely is this more true than when discussing Chardonnay.
Light, fruity, and acidic, Burgundy Chardonnay is most often crafted in the Old World style, and tends to be oaked in order to develop a beautiful complexity.
New Zealand
New Zealand Chardonnay is a true reflection of its land. As the area has a vast, diverse climate, New Zealand is known to produce several different styles of Chardonnay.
Warmer climates in New Zealand tend to yield full, round wines with rich fruit flavors. Chardonnay from cooler climates has a higher acidity, with a crisp minerality to the wine. Marlborough Chardonnay is known to be zesty and citrus-forward, while wine hailing from Hawke’s Bay might lean more towards flavors of peach or melon.
South Africa
If you love a fresh, bright Chardonnay, a bottle of South African Chardonnay will be an ideal choice for you. These vibrant wines sing of tropical flavors, with an electric acidity and great minerality that allow the wine to pair well with a wide variety of different dishes. However, South African Chardonnay can just as easily be enjoyed on its own, as the notes of citrus, florals, and honeysuckle need no companion.
What Are the Best Chardonnay Pairings?
While Chardonnay is a wine that can stand on its own beautifully, it’s also one of the best wines to pair with food. Explore some of our favorite Chardonnay pairings, curated by the expert culinary team here at Davis Estates.
Curried Celeriac Soup With Coconut Foam
Crafted with care, this Curried Celeriac Soup with Coconut Foam recipe is best served with a bottle of Davis Chardonnay. A unique blend both spicy and creamy, this soup recipe is one of a kind, and is met beautifully with the versatility of Chardonnay. When the richness of the wine meets the sweetness of the celery root, a perfect partnership is born.
Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hens
An ideal pairing for Chardonnay, our recipe Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hen is the perfect entrée for your next gathering. A light, citrusy Chardonnay perfectly contrasts and highlights the rich, savory flavors of the hen. Don’t be afraid to season your meat well – an acidic, elegant Chardonnay is able to cut through the spices for a refreshing finish to your meal.
Chef’s Celebration Old Fashioned Apple Spice Cake
No meal is complete without dessert – and no dessert is complete without the perfect wine. Visitors to our Estate know that there’s nothing like our Old Fashioned Apple Spice Cake, and we couldn’t keep the recipe to ourselves any longer. Pair with a glass of Chardonnay for a seamless finish to your evening.
Visit Davis Estates for the Best California Chardonnay
At Davis Estates, we’re proud to serve some of the best Chardonnay in Napa Valley. Featuring a delicate new oak influence, our 2023 vintage has a beautifully bright palate without losing the silky finish that sets Chardonnay wines apart.
Make a reservation to visit our tasting room to experience our world-class Napa Valley Chardonnay.