One of the most misunderstood wines is Chardonnay. Riesling is, too, but we’ll get to that at a later date. Chardonnay is one of those wines that people usually don’t like, or they just think they don’t like it. Whenever someone is shopping for wine and I ask them what preferences they have, more often than not when it comes to white wine, they say they hate Chardonnay. But the reality is, they like Chardonnay, they just don’t know it yet!

Chardonnay is thought to be buttery, sweet and full-bodied. But, this isn’t always the case. Traditionally, Chardonnay grapes produce very acidic and dry wines that have notes of citrus, flower blossoms and tropical fruits.  

So, why does Chardonnay have a bad reputation? It’s all thanks to the California wine industry. Thanks California… JK, luh you! Around the 70’s and 80’s, it was the wine that our parents were drinking in the clubs while the Bee Gee’s were blasting. California was aging all their Chardonnay in new American Oak Barrels. They were then allowing the wines to go into Malolactic Fermentation. Which is where that buttery-oaky flavs came into play. 

The idea that Chardonnays are ONLY that way has been cemented into all of our brains as the only way that Chardonnay can be. I have to tell you that you need to get that information outta there! Seriously. You’re missing out. If you’re a fan of Chenin Blanc, Viognier or Semillon, then you’re already a Chardonnay fan. 

By: Kirsten McLaren

Here are some of our current favs!

Florez Wines 2020 Pegleg Chardonnay

This sweetheart just hit the shelves! James is always dropping bottles that transport us, and this one is no different! 

Scribe Winery 2019 Skin Contact Chardonnay

Some time on the skins completely transforms this Chardonnay. With notes of apricot, Honeycrisp Apple, and granite, you're not drinking your grandma's Chard with this bottle. 

Good Boy Wines 2019 Cosmic Highway

This golden Chardonnay is bringing Italian citrus, fresh star fruit, wet concrete, sandy minerals, white flowers, orange blossoms, and cactus juice. "Windows down, golden peaks ahead. City in the rearview."