ABC? You Might Be Missing Out on Chardonnay
If you've ever said, "Anything But Chardonnay" (ABC), you're not alone. For years, Chardonnay earned a reputation for being overly buttery, heavily oaked, and sometimes overwhelming. But today's Chardonnay is far more diverse than many wine drinkers realize.
In fact, Chardonnay is one of the most versatile grapes in the world. Depending on where it's grown and how it's made, it can be crisp and citrusy, rich and creamy, or somewhere in between. If your last Chardonnay experience left you unimpressed, it may be time to give this classic varietal another chance.
Why Chardonnay Deserves a Second Look
Modern winemakers are producing Chardonnays in a variety of styles. Some emphasize bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors, while others showcase the rich textures and vanilla notes that come from oak aging. Chardonnay can offer flavors of green apple, lemon, pear, tropical fruit, brioche, vanilla, and toasted almond depending on the region and winemaking style. Chardonnay's adaptability is one reason it remains one of the most popular and widely planted white wine grapes in the world.
Where to Find Great Chardonnay?
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is known for producing some of America's most celebrated Chardonnay. Many Napa examples are rich and full-bodied, with flavors of baked apple, vanilla, and toasted oak. The region's reputation for world-class Chardonnay continues to attract wine lovers from around the globe.
Popular Chardonnay Stops:
- Stony Hill Vineyard
- Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery
Sonoma County, California
Sonoma offers a slightly more relaxed wine country experience and produces elegant Chardonnays ranging from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and creamy. The region is especially known for balanced expressions of Chardonnay.
Popular Chardonnay Stops:
Willamette Valley, Oregon
If you think you don't like Chardonnay, start here. Willamette Valley has become known for producing elegant, Burgundy-inspired Chardonnays with bright acidity, minerality, and subtle oak influence. The region was originally planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is increasingly recognized for exceptional Chardonnay production.
Popular Chardonnay Stops:
Verde Valley, Arizona
Arizona may surprise you. Located near Sedona, Verde Valley has emerged as one of America's most exciting wine regions. The area's unique elevation and climate continue to attract adventurous wine drinkers looking to discover something new.
Popular Stops:
The Bottom Line
Being ABC may have made sense when heavily oaked Chardonnay dominated the market, but today's Chardonnay offers something for nearly every palate. Whether you prefer crisp and refreshing, rich and buttery, or somewhere in between, there's a Chardonnay waiting to change your mind.
The next time you're planning a wine country getaway through Wine Spencer, consider adding a Chardonnay tasting to your itinerary. You may discover that your new favorite white wine has been hiding in plain sight all along.