6 wines to (re)discover Chardonnay

With more than 3,000 white wines available as of this writing, and grape varieties by the dozens, shopping can get a little overwhelming faced with such a selection. And while exploring will take your taste buds on a trip and work your tongue by pronouncing the names of the most exotic varieties, sometimes we crave the classics, like Chardonnay. 

Known to produce some of the most coveted white wines in the world, Chardonnay is a grape native to the village of the same name in the Mâconnais sub-region in Burgundy. Internationally renowned, it is the source of the great white wines of Burgundy but has conquered many wine-producing countries including the United States (California), Italy, Australia, Chile and Canada. 

Explore the nuances of Chardonnay through these different cuvées and discover your favorite style.

Campagnola Chardonnay Veneto 

With a Fruity and lively profile, this Chardo from Veneto presents aromas of almond, white fruits and floral notes. Produced at the Campagnola family estate and bottled according to the proper rules, it remains a must in its category. Below the $14 mark, it offers excellent value for the money and judging by the reviews, will delight friends both as an aperitif and at the table. 

Fontanafredda Chardonnay Langhe 

Fontanafredda, a name well-known by Piedmont wine lovers, is also one of the most important Barolo producers of the region. A master in the art of local varietal winemaking, the estate also shines with this non-woody Chardonnay featuring lovely apple, pear, lemon and white flower flavours. 

Chloe Chardonnay Monterey County

Located just two hours from San Francisco, Monterey County is recognized as one of the Californian terroirs best suited to Chardonnay. Fresh, charming and enveloping, Chloe is set apart by its freshness, balance and sophisticated intensity. It offers notes of citrus, apples and pear, as well as a touch of butter and vanilla in a creamy mid-palate.   

Josh Cellars Chardonnay Californie 

Founded in 2007 by Josh Carr in honour of his father, Josh Cellars estate has enjoyed great success with cuvées made from grape varieties that are now classic to California. Its well-balanced Chardonnay wine delivers a profile typical of the region, just-right buttery, with notes of citrus, honey and peaches. 

Fat Bastard Chardonnay Pays d'Oc

Fabulously generous and just eccentric enough, the Fat Bastard cuvée is an invitation to explore the freshness and exuberance of Chardonnay. Aromatic and round in profile, this white offers aromas of butter, pear, Golden apple and vanilla. From the Pays d'Oc to your glass, it's a real pleasure to share. And considering its price, there is no reason not to.  

Moillard Bourgogne Le Duché

Here is a Chardonnay from its native Burgundy, which we can always count on for stunning whites. Both lively and with a nice fullness on the palate, this variation of the great grape variety presents aromas of almond, butter and white fruits such as pear. A touch of butter and a touch of minerality; in short, a beautiful complexity. 

What to eat with Chardonnay    

When the time comes to find a match for Chardonnay, there are several possibilities, depending its style. With an Aromatic and mellow profile, you can go for white meat or fish in cream sauce or cheese pasta, among others. 

Stefano Faita’s Macaroni and Cheese
See the recipe

Pork Loin and Creamy Pesto Sauce
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With a Fruity and vibrant rendition of Chardonnay, it’s kind of the same idea, but with a little more freshness on the plate. Pasta is sauce-less with shrimp or pesto, fish is grilled or en papillote, and you can include crunchy salads.  

Spaghetti with pesto
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Fish burgers with lime
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In partnreship with Fontanafredda, Campagnola, Moillard, Chloe Chardonnay Monterey County, Fréchette vins d’exception and Gabriel Meffre SAS.