Attributes:

Françoise Chauvenet

Saint Veran, France

Chardonnay

750 ML

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Attributes:

Sichel

Graves, France

Bordeaux - White

750 ML

Food Matches:

Traditionally the only region in Bordeaux to make both top-quality reds and whites, Graves has lost much of its land to the new appellation of Pessac-Léognan. What remains is a collection of medium-to full-bodied whites and reds. The reds made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are supple, earthy, and tobacco-scented. The whites are made from Sémillon, Sauvignon d Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. These honeyed, soft, nutty wines are among the greatest in France.

Attributes:

Delicato

California, United States

Chardonnay

1.5 L

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

oak, pear, smoky, spices

ripe, sweet

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 78

1998: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84

clean

1998: Tastings Rating: 82

clean

apple, citrus, melon, pear

1994: Tastings Rating: 82

fresh, soft

light

citrus, minerals, oak

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.