Is Chardonnay Making a Comeback?
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular white wine grape varieties, originally from the Burgundy region of France. It’s highly versatile, capable of producing a wide range of styles—from crisp, unoaked versions with citrus and green apple notes to rich, oaked styles with buttery, vanilla, and tropical fruit flavours.
Where It's From
Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of eastern France, where it has long been celebrated for producing some of the world's finest white wines. The cultural style of Chardonnay from Burgundy is deeply rooted in tradition, emphasizing terroir—the unique characteristics imparted by the local soil, climate, and vineyard practices. In this region, winemakers typically craft Chardonnay in a refined, elegant style, often fermenting and aging the wine in oak barrels to enhance complexity, while maintaining balance and minerality. This Burgundian approach has become the benchmark for Chardonnay production worldwide.
Where Did It Go?
In recent years, Chardonnay's popularity has waned somewhat, partly due to backlash against overly oaked and heavy styles that became dominant in the 1990s and early 2000s, especially from regions like California and Australia. This led to the "Anything But Chardonnay" (ABC) movement, as wine drinkers sought fresher, lighter, and more aromatic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling. However, well-balanced Chardonnays are experiencing a quiet resurgence among more discerning wine enthusiasts.
Why You Should Drink Chardonnay
Chardonnay is experiencing a renaissance in recent years thanks to a shift in winemaking styles and consumer tastes. Chardonnays have embraced a more balanced, terroir-driven expression. Cooler climate regions and minimal intervention techniques have brought out its bright acidity, minerality, and complexity, appealing to wine lovers seeking freshness and nuance. People should consider drinking Chardonnay because of its incredible versatility: it pairs well with a wide range of foods, from seafood to creamy pastas, and offers a spectrum of styles, from crisp and lean to rich and textured. Whether you're a casual wine drinker or a seasoned enthusiast, there's likely a Chardonnay out there that matches your palate.
Some to Try
Domaine Garnier Et Fils, Petit Chablis, 2023
The 2023 Petit Chablis from Domaine Garnier et Fils, crafted by brothers Xavier and Jérôme Garnier, showcases vibrant Chardonnay from northern Burgundy. Grown organically in Lignorelles on Portlandian limestone soils, the wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged six months on lees in stainless steel, undergoing full malolactic fermentation for added texture. It features crisp citrus notes, subtle minerality, and a touch of sea salt. Ideal as an aperitif or with seafood. A pure, accessible expression of the Chablis terroir.
Chateau Cambon, Beaujolais Blanc, 2023
Château Cambon Beaujolais Blanc 2023 is a fresh, expressive white wine crafted from 100% Chardonnay in the heart of Beaujolais. Bright and lively, it offers aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and stone fruits, underpinned by a subtle mineral edge. Fermented with native yeasts and often aged in stainless steel or neutral oak, it retains a pure, clean profile with vibrant acidity. This vintage captures the elegance and energy of the region, making it an ideal companion for light seafood, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Marc Colin, Chassagne-Montrachet 'Margot', 2022
A refined white Burgundy that captures the elegance of its appellation with precision and finesse. Made from Chardonnay, this wine opens with aromas of white blossom, citrus zest, and a touch of hazelnut. The palate is beautifully balanced, featuring crisp acidity, a mineral backbone, and subtle oak integration that adds depth without overpowering the fruit. The 2022 vintage is notably fresh and vibrant, offering both immediate charm and the potential for graceful aging. A sophisticated choice for lovers of classic Côte de Beaune whites.
Marc Jambon et Fils, Macon, Cuvee Classique, 2023
Marc Jambon et Fils, Mâcon, Cuvée Classique 2023 is a fresh and elegant white Burgundy made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the rolling hills of southern Burgundy. This vintage offers a lively bouquet of citrus blossom, green apple, and a touch of white peach, underscored by subtle minerality and a hint of almond. On the palate, it's crisp and well-balanced, with a clean, vibrant finish that reflects the purity and finesse typical of the Mâconnais region. Ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood, poultry, or soft cheeses.
If you like the fresh and expressive, or rich and oaked, we have both. Take a look on our website to find the style for you.