What type of wine is a Chardonnay?
white wine
Chardonnay is the world’s most popular white wine, and for good reason. It’s made from green-skinned grapes that adapt to a variety of climates, and they produce versatile wines in many price points. Chardonnay can be crisp and clean, or rich and oaky.
What does a buttery Chardonnay mean?
To make Chardonnay buttery, the winemaker performs malolactic fermentation. It is a fermentation process that softens the acidity of the wine by converting the harsh malic acid into more palatable, softer lactic acid. It reduces the wine’s sharp acid taste and gives it a buttery texture.
How can you tell if Chardonnay is buttery?
Buttery Chardonnay Oaked Chardonnays are rich, full-bodied and have additional flavors of vanilla, butter and even caramel from the oak. A cool climate, buttery Chardonnay will have more citrus flavors versus a warm climate Chardonnay, which will have more tropical fruit flavors.
Do you drink Chardonnay cold?
Yes chardonnay should be served cold, at a temperature of 48F/8.89°C. You shouldn’t drink chardonnay at room temperature or when it’s warm.
Why is Chardonnay so popular?
The chardonnay grape itself contributes to the wine’s popularity. Made from green-skinned grapes, Chardonnay is a relatively “low-maintenance” vine that adapts well to a variety of climates, resulting in fairly high yields worldwide. These high yields translate into millions of bottles of Chardonnay wines.
Who drinks Chardonnay?
Chardonnay lovers are usually hard workers, who like to party in equal measure. Chardonnay’s such an accessible wine, these drinkers are often great socialisers, who like surrounding themselves with fun and like-minded friends. Think of Sauvignon Blanc as Chardonnay 2.0.
What is the difference between oaky and buttery Chardonnay?
The difference between oaked and unoaked chardonnay is that oaked chardonnay is aged in new oak barrels, while unoaked is not. When chardonnay spends time in oak barrels instead of steel or plastic tanks, the oak imparts flavors into the wine that resemble sweet vanilla, caramel, and butter. Yes, butter.
What foods go with Chardonnay?
Chardonnay pairs beautifully with fish and seafood. Unoaked Chardonnay pairs well with sushi and shellfish, like langoustines, clams and mussels. It is also ideal with flaky white fish. The richness of oaked Chardonnay pairs brilliantly with the succulent fattiness of salmon.
How do you pick a good Chardonnay?
Seek out Chardonnay wines that are not aged in oak. Look for tasting descriptors that indicate no oak including lean, mineral, fresh, white flowers, and citrus blossom. Most unoaked Chardonnay should be drunk young, although there are several examples (particularly in Chablis) that will age a decade or more.
Should you refrigerate Chardonnay after opening?
It’s similar with wine. The best way to keep wine after you’ve opened it is to remember to recork it and put it in the fridge. By recorking and refrigerating, you’re limiting the wine’s exposure to oxygen, heat, and light.