| ext">Almost everyone on the planet has heard of | | | | bottles were heavily oaked, there is a chardonnay |
| Chardonnay, in fact it is so popular that some | | | | suitable for every palate and pocket and because |
| people even name their children after it. | | | | of the versatility of the grape from almost every |
| Chardonnay is commonly ordered as a type of | | | | wine producing country in the world. |
| wine from bars and restaurants but it is in fact | | | | So which are the types of Chardonnay to look |
| the name of the most popular and possibly the | | | | out for? What do they taste like? Here are a |
| most versatile grape in the world. | | | | couple of generalisations to get you on your way. |
| Almost all white Burgundy from Bourgogne Blanc | | | | Of course the best way to find out which one is |
| to Chablis is made from 100% chardonnay grapes. | | | | your favourite is to get your glass out and start |
| The Chardonnay grape is also the mainstay in | | | | tasting your way around a few of the bottles! |
| many types of champagne and is now even being | | | | France produces a ream of different |
| used in Spain to make Cava. | | | | Chardonnays. For pure unoaked Chardonnay look |
| The Chardonnay grape is so popular because it is | | | | for a Chablis labelled unoaked. This is great with |
| easy to grow — that is probably why it is | | | | fish as it is delicate and unobtrusive. For a clean |
| championed by so many grape producers. It can | | | | flavoured wine with a subtle fruit aroma look to |
| also be crafted into many different types of | | | | the Meursault and Montrachet regions |
| wines. Perhaps it is also so popular because it has | | | | California produces wines that work well with |
| little indigenous character of its own and instead | | | | grilled seasoned foods. The Napa valley produces |
| displays the characteristics of the soil and climate | | | | great oaky fruity wines which are ideal for |
| where it is grown. Chardonnay has a propensity | | | | outdoor eating and drinking. For an even fruitier |
| for acid and glycerine which is responsible for | | | | riper flavour try something from the Santa |
| giving it a velvety texture — this is what is | | | | Barbara region, these highly flavoured wines will |
| important in this type of grape. It is this texture | | | | even taste great with grilled meats. |
| which makes it so versatile when it comes to | | | | For a Chardonnay that is intensely flavoured and |
| producing wine. It can be crafted into fresh | | | | almost best drunk without food head to Australia |
| lemony unoaked wine or aged in barrels to | | | | and try something from the Hunter Valley. This |
| produce wine for a much richer palate. It is often | | | | tropically flavoured wine is great chilled and shared |
| seen as a cheap wine that is not worth trying but | | | | with a friend. |
| remember these grapes are used in top quality | | | | There are so many different types of |
| Chablis and Champagne, so don’t dismiss | | | | Chardonnay from so many different countries |
| this grape and wine out of hand. | | | | that you are bound to find something to suit your |
| Chardonnay now comes in a host of different | | | | palate. |
| styles — gone are the days when all the | | | | |