Chardonnay Wine
Central Oregon
For many wine lovers, Chardonnay is the quintessential white wine. Whether you prefer a rich, buttery version from Napa Valley, a complex and age-worthy white Burgundy, or one of the countless remarkable selections from around the globe, Chardonnay has something to offer everyone.
However, this popularity and widespread appeal come with a downside: Chardonnay's commonality can overshadow its unique qualities and often excellent value. Discovering a fantastic bottle of Chardonnay can be straightforward if you know what to seek. Here’s a complete guide to understanding Chardonnay, the grape that produces some of the finest wines in the world.
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Our Chardonnay wine is crafted from grapes sourced from the Wahluke Slope in Washington. It undergoes fermentation in neutral French oak barrels, with a partial malolactic fermentation to enhance its complexity. This wine presents delightful aromas and flavors of pineapple, pear, and orange peel, complemented by a subtle malolactic character reminiscent of freshly baked bread.
What Is Chardonnay Wine?
What Is Chardonnay Wine?
Chardonnay is a widely cultivated white grape variety found across the globe. It possesses an extraordinary ability to reflect both its terroir and the winemaker's style.
This versatility makes Chardonnay akin to a chameleon, ranging from crisp and refreshing to rich and luxurious. It is also one of the key grape varieties used in Champagne. Whatever your palate preferences, there is likely a Chardonnay that will meet your desires.
Where Does Chardonnay Wine Come From?
Chardonnay has been cultivated in France's Burgundy region for nearly a thousand years. Most wine experts agree that the finest examples come from this area, particularly in the Côte de Beaune, located in the southern part of the renowned Côte d'Or.
Grand Cru vineyards like Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne produce Chardonnay grapes that yield wines capable of aging and evolving for decades. In northern Burgundy, Chablis offers a contrasting style focused on chalky minerality and vibrant acidity. Meanwhile, the Chardonnays from the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy often deliver exceptional value that can be hard to find elsewhere in the region.
Up-and-Coming Winemakers Transforming One of France’s Most Renowned Wine Regions with Outstanding Results
In Champagne, Chardonnay is one of the three primary grape varieties allowed, alongside Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Blanc de Blancs Champagne, for instance, is made entirely from Chardonnay. In Napa Valley and Sonoma's Russian River Valley, Chardonnay is typically produced in a richer style, often featuring oak and a buttery quality (resulting from malolactic fermentation) that adds depth and creaminess. This grape variety is produced in a variety of styles across Washington State, Oregon, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, making Chardonnay a truly global grape.
Why Should You Drink Chardonnay Wine?
Few grape varieties offer such a diverse range of styles as Chardonnay. When grown in cooler climates or harvested early, its acidity imparts a lively vibrancy. In warmer regions or with extended ripening, Chardonnay develops a delightful sense of indulgence. It can be refreshing in the summer or comforting during colder months, depending on the style you choose.
Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with food. More acid-driven Chardonnays, like those from Chablis, complement fish and seafood beautifully; raw oysters, sautéed shrimp, and light white fish are excellent matches. Richer Chardonnays can stand up to heartier dishes, making them great companions for veal and various cheeses. They also harmonize well with lemon, whether drizzled over pasta with garlic and olive oil or blended into an aioli. Chardonnay even complements classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese!
How to Decide If You're in the Mood for Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay is also one of the most delightful white wines to enjoy on its own. Many wine lovers find themselves debating between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and the choice is straightforward: Sauvignon Blanc tends to showcase more grapefruit and herb or bell pepper notes, while Chardonnay leans towards melon and autumn orchard fruit flavors, sometimes even tropical fruit. Additionally, Chardonnay generally has lower acidity than Sauvignon Blanc. Both options can be excellent; it simply depends on your mood.
Regardless of your budget, there is sure to be a fantastic Chardonnay available, whether at a restaurant or on a retail shelf. The esteemed Grand Crus of Burgundy can exceed $1,000, but many delicious options can be found for under $20 as well.
What Does Chardonnay Taste Like?
Chardonnay typically conveys fruit notes reminiscent of melons and autumn orchard fruits like apples and pears. When grown in calcium-rich soils, it often exhibits a subtle brininess and hints of chalk. In warmer climates, Chardonnays tend to highlight more tropical fruit, with tasting notes of pineapple, papaya, mango, and guava being common.
Chardonnays aged in oak usually present flavors and aromas of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, and if they undergo malolactic fermentation, buttery hints are likely to be present. Chardonnay truly encompasses a wide range of delightful flavors in the best possible way.
Chardonnay Wine Service Area
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Situated in Terrebonne, Oregon, our wine-making facility provides natural wine sales throughout Central Oregon. Our wine selection features Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Vino Rosso. We reach various locations, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, La Pine, and Madras, with offerings available at places like Wild Ride Brewing, Testimony Wine Bar, Grace and Hammer Pizza, and more. Just ask for Black Goat Winery when you select your wine of choice.
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