Essential information about one of the world's most popular wines.

Chardonnay is also known as Pinot Chardonnay. It is the most famous white grape. It is from this grape that some of the worlds best dry white wines are produced. The great white wines of Burgundy and Chablis are made from the Chardonnay grape. It is also the basis for widly popular wines from California and Australia.

Traditionally, it is the only grape used in the making of Champagne. It adapts well to a wide variety of soils and climates, making it one of the most widely planted varietals around the world.

Chardonnay can be produced in many different styles. It takes well to being aged in French oak barrels. Flavors range from pear to tropical fruits. The flavors of green apples is a classic aspect to Chardonnay. The flavors will vary depending upon where the wine is made.

This is a versitle wine, offering a full spectrum of styles, from clean and bone dry, to buttery, complex, and creamy. Some Chardonnays have been produced in the past years that are sweeter than tradition demands.

Examples of quality Chardonnays from the Old and New World:

Rio Diamante, Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina
This 100% Chardonnay is produced from perfectly mature grapes from Mendoza, Argentina. Because of Argentina's reputation for beef production, you don't always think of the region in connection with white wine. This wine captures wonderfully crisp notes of apple, with just an enticement of oak and spice.

Louis Latour d'Ardèche Chardonnay
This has delicious green apple flavors, ripe fruit, and oaky notes. It is a beautiful golden color. But, it's not overdone with just the right amount of acidity. The medium finish is appropriate to this wine.

Liparita Sonoma County Chardonnay
This is Liparita's first Chardonnay from Sonoma County. Aromas of toasty pear, butterscotch and vanilla mingle with tropical fruit and spice. Pear, apple and spice flavors complement the rich, creamy texture. A bright acidity balances this wine that boasts a long, flavorful finish.

yellow tail Chardonnay
This is straw-gold in color with a nose of peaches, coconut, rockmelon, vanilla and spice. It is silky smooth, medium-bodied, with flavors of tropical fruits, peaches, coconut and toasty oak.

Les Vignerons Reunis a Buxy, Montagny 1er Cru
Chalonnaise premier cru ups the ante considerably as far as southern Burgundy goes. Close your eyes and you might think you're tasting a smart little Meursault from a better Cote d'Or village. This particular example reveals its ample charms exhibiting a light gold color with hints of pale green. The nose brims with fruit and flowers and shows added complexity with notes of Muscat, truffle, pear and nut. The palate is round and mouthfilling, supple and deliciously dry, with fat, ripe flavors of passion fruit that come together nicely with a judicious touch of oak.

Aaku Chardonnay
When you smell this wine you will experience fruit and a slight hint of oak. The fresh, crisp apple and light wood brings a balanced taste. Many Chardonnays boast the taste of apple, but in Aaku it is actually present. Don't be misled. All this talk of fruit does not mean it is an off-dry Chardonnay. It is not. The Aaku is a dry wine with a good finish.