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Chardonnay has conquered major wine regions globally and is one of the most widely planted grape varieties. From Burgundy and Champagne in France, to Italy, Austria, the United States and beyond, there are exceptional bottles produced all over the world. But, it can be a polarizing grape. Just ask members of the Anything-But-Chardonnay (ABC) club. But we don't think that sentiment is always fair. After all, with such a wide array of styles and plantings throughout the world, no two bottles are alike. To help you get started on your Chardonnay journey (or change some ABCers' minds) we pulled together the best selections for every palate. The Best Chardonnays to Try Now Best Under $20 Chardonnay can command high prices depending on many different factors like location, vintage and more. Thankfully, these exceptional bottles are easy to find for $20 or less. Robert Oatley 2021 Signature Series Chardonnay (Margaret River) Lamoreaux Landing 2021 Chardonnay (Finger Lakes) Gérard Bertrand 2020 Cote des Roses Chardonnay (Pays d'Oc) Glenelly 2020 Estate Reserve Chardonnay (Stellenbosch) Best Under $30 Yes, there are plenty of great options for $20 or less, but if you’re willing to spring just a bit more money upfront, you can really start to see everything this grape has to offer. These $30 or fewer bottles are worth a try for a little more cash. Jax 2021 Y3 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) J. Lohr 2021 October Night Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco) Best Buttery Bottles Chardonnay often undergoes a winemaking technique called malolactic fermentation (MLF), which gives the wine a creamy mouthfeel and often buttery notes. MLF winemakers use bacteria to help lower a wine’s acidity and bring out these flavors. "During the sometimes month-long process, bacteria change malic acid to softer, creamier lactic acid. Diacetyl, a byproduct of MLF, imparts a buttery taste," Chasity Cooper previously wrote for Wine Enthusiast. These bottles best represent the buttery notes MLF brings out in Chardonnay. Shannon Ridge 2020 Buck Shack Whitetail Chardonnay (Lake County) J Vineyards & Winery 2020 Chardonnay (Monterey County-Napa County-Sonoma County) Best California Typically, Chardonnays from California are riper, fruitier and more full-bodied than Old World styles. As the most widely planted white grape in the Golden State, it’s safe to say that there are some exceptional examples. Here are some of our favorites. Three Sticks 2020 Gap's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) The Hilt 2020 Estate Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) Groth 2020 Hillview Estate Chardonnay (Napa Valley) Best Oaked Love it or hate it, oaky Chardonnay is here to stay. “The affinity between oak and Chardonnay is so great that oak flavors are often taken as a marker for the grape itself,” Anne Krebiehl, MW, previously wrote for Wine Enthusiast. American oak can give these wines popcorn and toffee notes, while French oak can give wines a nuttier, spicier characteristic. These bottles bring the best of oak to your glass. Clendenen Family 2018 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley) Artesa 2019 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay (Carneros) Rombauer 2021 Home Ranch Chardonnay (Carneros) Best Unoaked Not an oak fan? No problem. There are plenty of unoaked Chardonnays to choose from–give these bottles a try. Chehalem 2021 Inox Unoaked Chardonnay (Willamette Valley) Jac Cole 2021 Unoaked Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) Morgan 2021 Metallico Unoaked Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) FAQ What Is the Best Chardonnay? Whichever you prefer! Chardonnay is a versatile grape, with flavors and aromas ranging from apple, pear and citrus if it’s from a cool climate region, to banana and melon if it’s from a warmer climate area. It lends itself exceptionally well to oak aging but can also be enjoyed without time in a wooden barrel. The best way to find the Chardonnay you like the most is to sample as many as you can in different styles. This grape is a chameleon because it lacks a strong flavor expression of its own. Is Chardonnay Best Served Cold? Chardonnays should be served around 50–55°F. If it's not oaked, then serve it closer to 50°F. What Cheese Goes Best with Chardonnay? The best cheese to serve with Chardonnay depends on a few things. If you have a light, crisp bottle, serve Chardonnay with feta or mozzarella. If it's a light-bodied, dry, unoaked Chardonnay (think Chablis) serve it with a ripe, pungent cheese, like Camembert or Brie. Lastly, for a lightly oaked Chardonnay, reach for Gruyère, Gouda or other semi-soft cheeses. Why You Should Trust Us All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

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