Chardonnay is one of the most popular and widely planted white wine grape varieties in the world. It originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but has now spread to wine regions all over the globe.
Chardonnay is known for its versatility in winemaking, as it can produce a wide range of styles depending on factors such as terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques. It can range from crisp, unoaked styles with flavors of green apple and citrus, to rich, full-bodied wines with notes of ripe tropical fruits, butter, and vanilla, often associated with oak aging and malolactic fermentation.
Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions around the world, including France, California, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Each region imparts its own unique characteristics to the wine.
Chardonnay pairs well with a wide variety of foods due to its versatility. It pairs particularly well with seafood, poultry, creamy sauces, and dishes with buttery or creamy textures.