Chardonnay encompasses such a wide variety of styles and flavours that it’s hard to pin down a quintessential ‘Chardonnay-ness’ that you may want to emulate in other wines. The wine speaks of where it was grown – Chardonnay from Chablis is a world away from its Californian cousins but whether it’s the leaner more mineral style that you love or the warm, toasty side of the spectrum read on…

Safe Options:

White Burgundy, choose from

Lean and mineral: Javillier Cuvée des Forgets, Vincent Girardin Puligny Montrachet, or Meursault Vieilles Vignes. Château Beauregard St Veran.

Toasty: Javillier Cuvée Oligocène, Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet or Meursault, Château Beauregard Pouilly Fuissé. Excellent introduction: Ch Beauregard Macon Vergisson.

Excellent Introduction: Château Beauregard Macon Vergisson

Why:

Burgundy is Chardonnay’s home and this region sets the benchmark for Chardonnay the world over. There are so many options to choose from you will never be bored.  It may seem like a sweeping generalisation but most people prefer either the leaner and more mineral styles or wines with that toasty richness.

Goes With...

Superb food wines that will go with almost anything from seafood to roast meats. If you've splashed out on a gorgeous bottle of burgundy let it be the star of the show and don't complicate the food with too many ingredients and flavours. Match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food.

Meursault Burgundy

Safe Options:

California,New Zealand, Western Australia and South African Chardonnays. ExamplesRidge Santa Cruz,Cape Mentelle, Dog Point, Cloudy Bay, Rustenberg.

Why:

These regions are all capable of making great Chardonnays but it pays to know your producers. The suggestions above are all great quality. They may not be delicate but they have bags of flavour.

Goes With...

There is a warming character to these wines that makes them ideal with roast chicken and fowl. If your dish is warm and comforting, these are the white wines that will compliment it beautifully.

Cloudy Bay Vines, New Zealand

Safe Options:

Chardonnay from Limoux example - Rives Blanques Odyssée

Why:

Not such a well known region but makes great quality Chardonnay - a poor man's Burgundy?

Goes With...

Another versatile wine match with fish, chicken, pork, salads or drink on its own.

Caryl and Jan Panman, Rives Blanques