Wines
Chardonnay
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- White
- White • Medium
- 10–13% ABV
- Medium body
- Medium sweetness
- medium acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.
Skip if…
- ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.
At a Glance
10–13%ABV
MediumSweetness
mediumAcidity
LowTannin
MediumBody
10°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Chardonnay?
A versatile white wine that can be made in a variety of styles. It has flavors of apple, pear, and citrus.
Taste profile
Medium sweetnessmedium acidityLow tanninsMedium bodyAppleCitrusOak
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: White
- ABV range: 10–13%
- Medium body
- Medium sweetness
- Body
- Medium
- Sweetness
- Medium
- Acidity
- medium
- Tannin
- Low
- Apple · medium intensity — General Chardonnay flavour reference. Not venue evidence.
- Citrus · medium intensity — General Chardonnay flavour reference. Not venue evidence.
- Oak · medium intensity — General Chardonnay flavour reference. Not venue evidence.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Chardonnay
- Region(s)
- Burgundy, California, Australia, New Zealand
- Country
- France/global
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Skin contact
- Minimal white-wine skin contact
Principal wine regions
A principal grape in California, Burgundy, Champagne and more — explore the regions known for it.
How it’s made
- Method
- White grapes are pressed before fermentation; style depends heavily on malolactic fermentation, lees ageing, oak use, and climate.
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 10°C
- Glassware
- White wine glass
Food pairings
When to serve
DessertSweet wine fansWhite
Dietary
How Chardonnay fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Also known as
Chardy (common_short_name)
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- Chenin BlancBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- Pinot GrigioBoth white styles; medium body; shared citrus, apple notes.
- Sauvignon BlancBoth white styles; shared citrus notes.
- Viura (Macabeo)Both white styles; medium body; shared citrus, apple notes.
- GewurztraminerBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
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.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.