Chardonnay
/ˌʃɑːr.dəˈneɪ/
Chardonnay is a widely planted white wine grape variety (Vitis vinifera) from Burgundy, France, and the wines made from it, known for producing still and sparkling wines in many styles. Depending on climate and winemaking, Chardonnay can range from lean, high-acid and mineral to rich, full-bodied, and oak-influenced with creamy textures.
Examples
- The wine list offers a Blanc de Blancs Champagne made entirely from Chardonnay, showing bright acidity, citrus, green apple, and brioche notes.
- She prefers an unoaked Chablis-style Chardonnay with crisp acidity and green apple flavors to pair with oysters and other shellfish.
- The winery’s flagship Napa Valley Chardonnay is barrel-fermented and aged on lees, giving it ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, and a creamy, buttery texture.
Etymology
The name “Chardonnay” comes from the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais area of southern Burgundy, France. The village name is generally traced to the Latin “cardonnacum” (from “carduus,” meaning thistle), indicating a place where thistles grow. Over time, local forms such as Chardenay, Chardenet, and Chardenay evolved into “Chardonnay,” which became the dominant international name for the grape by the 19th–20th centuries, replacing older synonyms like Beaunois, Morillon, and Auxerrois Blanc in most contexts.