When done well, a Chardonnay can be the answer for just about every occasion. There are two main methods of fermenting Chardonnay and each is pretty distinct in its outcome of flavor. Steel-aging means fermenting in steel tanks which creates a more acidic and tart wine, one that has a sharpness that you will crave in the summertime.
Oak-aged Chardonnays are just that – aged in oak barrels. These provide a creamy, almost buttery texture that is known for being rich and smooth.
In general, a Chardonnay will always give you notes of citrus and stone fruits. Some of the wines below take very creative avenues with theirs and you’ll find really unique fruit notes, while others tend toward a nutty aroma.
A good Chardonnay can be perfect for a decadent dinner or a picnic in the park, and just about everything in between.
Simple doesn’t always equal boring, as proven by this bottle. It’s just a straightforward Chardonnay done extremely well. You can expect the classic notes of apple and pear with a beautiful brightness. Crisp, dry, and totally drinkable.
Brown Estate Chardonnay House of Brown 2020
House of Brown is the concept line from Brown Estates and it’s fabulous. The wines in this line are sustainable, vegan-friendly and produced by women of color. This Chardonnay has gorgeous flavors like pineapple, starfruit, and guava which are a unique departure from the standard, making for a very fun bottle of wine.
Peter Paul, Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2019
The wineries on the Sonoma Coast know what they’re doing when it comes to Chardonnay. This one is full of bright citrus and some delightful notes of white peach and almond. It’s perfectly acidic with the delicate buttery quality you expect from an oak-aged Chardonnay.
Made by the women at Chronicle Vineyards in New York, this Chardonnay is only briefly fermented in steel tanks before being transferred to oak barrels for more months of fermentation, which means you get the best of both methods. It’s creamy and acidic, bright and decadent.
Peconic Bay Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
Peconic Bay Vineyards is a homestead of the North Fork in Long Island, and their Chardonnay is a delight. It’s steel aged with a whole array of aromatic flavors. You’ll get a floral rush along with green apple, which is gently balanced with pear and crisp citrus for a perfectly balanced wine.
