Juicy Knowledge
Chardonnay (pronounced: house white)
Chardonnay is everywhere! In general this grape produces a fuller-bodied, relatively high-ish alcohol wine. The Chardonnay grape is a chameleon of sorts. A winemaker can really shape the style of wine made from this grape. Chardonnay made using brand-spanking-new oak barrels can smell like a slice of apple pie a la mode. Compare this to Chablis, a French wine made from Chardonnay, which is normally full of crisp mineral and earthy flavors
Contemplating Chardonnay:
- Everyone (and their brother) seems to drink Chardonnay. There isn’t anything wrong with this; it just means there are thousands of Chardonnays out there. Some are over-the-top when it comes to taste (really strong flavors, very high alcohol), which makes them difficult to pair with food
- If you like California or Australia Chardonnay; taste just how different this grape can be. Compare an Aussie Chardonnay to a French Chablis (made completely from Chardonnay). Or, splurge a little and compare a powerhouse California Chardonnay to a French White Burgundy (also, 100% Chardonnay).
- If all you drink is Chardonnay, try a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, you'll like them
