white grape

Chardonnay

Adaptable - from Chablis' steely cool to warm-climate tropical richness.

Known as: Chardonnay Blanc

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine grape in the world, and with good reason: it makes everything from lean, mineral Chablis to opulent, buttery New World classics.

Its neutral base makes it a canvas for terroir and oak, which is why it appears in such a dazzling array of styles - sparkling, stainless-steel fresh, or barrel-fermented and rich.

For the buyer, Chardonnay is the safest, most versatile white-wine bet on the shelf - pair it with almost any poultry, fish or creamy dish.

Flavour & Aroma Profile

Aroma

applelemonpineappleoakhazelnut

Flavour

green applecitrusbuttervanillastone fruit

Food Pairing

· butter-poached lobster
· roast chicken
· creamy pasta
· scallops
· soft cheese

Notable Chardonnay Wines

Curated top picks first, then other wines made from Chardonnay.

★ Top Pick

Le Montrachet Grand Cru

Burgundy · 2024 (representative vintage)

Le Montrachet Grand Cru is an white wine from France, in the Burgundy region (Eastern-central France, running in a narrow band from Chablis in the north to Beaujolais in the south.), made principally from Chardonnay. The world's greatest white wine — dry, richly textured Chardonnay from the tiny Grand Cru straddling Puligny and Chassagne.

$1200–$3000 est. retail

★ Top Pick

Louis Roederer Cristal

Champagne · 2024 (representative vintage)

Louis Roederer Cristal is an sparkling wine from France, in the Champagne region (Northeastern France, east of Paris, around the towns of Épernay and Reims.), made principally from Chardonnay. Created in 1876 for the Tsar of Russia — one of the world's most famous prestige Champagnes.

$300–$500 est. retail

★ Top Pick

Dom Pérignon

Champagne · 2024 (representative vintage)

Dom Pérignon is an sparkling wine from France, in the Champagne region (Northeastern France, east of Paris, around the towns of Épernay and Reims.), made principally from Chardonnay. The prestige cuvée of Moët & Chandon and one of the world's most famous Champagnes.

$220–$450 est. retail

★ Top Pick

Krug Grande Cuvée

Champagne · 2024 (representative vintage)

Krug Grande Cuvée is an sparkling wine from France, in the Champagne region (Northeastern France, east of Paris, around the towns of Épernay and Reims.), made principally from Pinot Noir. The most revered multi-vintage Champagne — a blend of over 120 wines from up to 10 vintages.

$200–$350 est. retail

Bollinger Special Cuvée

Champagne · 2024 (representative vintage)

Bollinger Special Cuvée is an sparkling wine from France, in the Champagne region (Northeastern France, east of Paris, around the towns of Épernay and Reims.), made principally from Pinot Noir. Bollinger's classic Pinot-led non-vintage Brut — a byword for hearty, structured Champagne.

$70–$110 est. retail

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

Champagne · 2024 (representative vintage)

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is an sparkling wine from France, in the Champagne region (Northeastern France, east of Paris, around the towns of Épernay and Reims.), made principally from Pinot Noir. A globally loved non-vintage Brut and one of the world's top-selling Champagnes.

$45–$70 est. retail