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Wine Styles & Varietals

Chardonnay

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
WhiteWhite • Medium10–13% ABVMedium bodyMedium sweetnessmedium acidityLow tannins

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.

Skip if…

  • ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.

What is Chardonnay?

A versatile white wine that can be made in a variety of styles. It has flavors of apple, pear, and citrus.

Best For

DessertSweet wine fansWhite

Food Pairings

CheeseCheese BoardChickenFried ChickenFish & ChipsGrilled FishRaw SeafoodSeafood

Taste & Style

Medium sweetnessmedium acidityLow tanninsMedium bodyAppleCitrusOak

Flavour profile

Apple(medium)Citrus(medium)Oak(medium)

Food pairings

  • CheeseCheese · high
  • Cheese BoardCheese · high
  • ChickenMeat · high
  • Fried ChickenMeat · high
  • Fish & ChipsSeafood · high
  • Grilled FishSeafood · high
  • Raw SeafoodSeafood · high
  • SeafoodSeafood · high
  • ShellfishSeafood · high
  • Tinned FishSeafood · high

Best for

  • Best with Cheese
  • Best with Cheese Board
  • Best with Chicken
  • Apple
  • Citrus

Also known as

Chardy (common_short_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is Chardonnay?
A versatile white wine that can be made in a variety of styles. It has flavors of apple, pear, and citrus.
What does Chardonnay taste like?
Chardonnay is often described as Apple, Citrus, Oak. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Chardonnay?
Chardonnay pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, Chicken, Fried Chicken. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Chardonnay?
Chardonnay typically has an ABV of 10–13%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Chardonnay?
Chardonnay works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Chardonnay?
If you enjoy Chardonnay, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Chardonnay improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Chardonnay depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Chardonnay with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.