Chardonnay is a grape variety with green skin that is a vital ingredient in the making of white wines. The grape variety originated in eastern France’s Burgundy wine region, but it is now farmed all over the world, from England to New Zealand. Growing Chardonnay is viewed as a rite of passage for new and expanding wine regions, as well as an easy entrée into the international wine market.
The Chardonnay grape is flavorless in and of itself, with much of the flavor associated with the wine coming from the terroir and oak. From the crisp, mineral wines of Chablis, France, to New World wines with oak and tropical fruit aromas, Chardonnay wine brands are simply the best.
Furthermore, many sparkling wines, notably Champagne and Franciacorta in Italy, use Chardonnay as a primary ingredient. In this article, we’ll show you the best buttery chardonnay wine brands. So when you take a tour around the world, you will know what wines you should be drinking.
What Is the Buttery Chardonnay?
It is a fermentation process that converts the harsh malic acid in the wine into more pleasant, softer lactic acid. It softens the wine’s acidity and adds a buttery mouthfeel.
Why Is It Called Buttery Chardonnay?
Malolactic fermentation, the secondary fermentation process that converts malic acid to lactic acid, is responsible for the buttery tastes. Malic acid tastes sour, like a green apple. You can taste the buttery creaminess of lactic acid.
Wine Chardonnay Brands
Chardonnay is one of the most popular white wines in the United States. The grapes thrive in a variety of climates, and the juice’s mild taste allows winemakers to produce a style that is distinct to both the location and the winery. It’s difficult to pick the best Chardonnays on the market because there are so many excellent specimens. Not to worry, this guide will help you make the best choices. So, below are some of the greatest Chardonnay wine brands you should try.
- Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
- Edna Valley Chardonnay Paragon
- Babich Hawkes Bay Unoaked Chardonnay
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Columbia Valley
- Talbott Vineyards Logan Chardonnay
- Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay
- Acacia Carneros Chardonnay
Good Chardonnay Wine Brands
- Buty Chardonnay Connor Lee
- Hartford Winery Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
- Chausseur
- Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay
- Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay
- Mount Eden Vineyards “Santa Cruz Mountains” Estate Chardonnay
- Cakebread Cellars’ Napa Valley Chardonnay
- Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Reserve Chardonnay
- Kumeu River Chardonnay (New Zealand)
- Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay
How Do You Pick a Good Chardonnay?
Look for Chardonnays that have not been aged in wood. Look for flavor characteristics like as lean, mineral, fresh, white florals, and citrus bloom that suggest the absence of oak. There are some instances of unoaked Chardonnay (especially from Chablis) that may age for at least a decade.
What Is the Best Selling Chardonnay in THE US?
Since 1982, The Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay has been the best-selling Chardonnay in the United States.
Best Chardonnay Brands
Chardonnay is the most popular sweet white wine grape. The green-skinned chardonnay grape is thought to have originally come from France’s Burgundy region, though some claim it has roots in Lebanon.
Its tremendous versatility and vast range of styles could be one of the reasons for its popularity. Meanwhile, this sweet grape is an important ingredient in many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne. Below are some of the best Chardonnay wine brands you can trust for every occasion.
#1. Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay
This Washington well-made Chardonnay starts off sharp and spicy, with light, juicy fruit on the palate. Apple and pear flavors mingle with hints of peach before coming to a creamy conclusion.
#2. Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay
Sonoma, California is a city in the state of California that is known for its orange blossoms, citrus, pear, figs, green apple, toasted marshmallow, and caramel aromas abound in this Alexander Valley Chardonnay. On the palate, layers of toast and spice are well-balanced by creamy vanilla undertones.
#3. J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay, 2019
“A creamy wave of lemon curd, salted peanut brittle, spiced cantaloupe, and jasmine lights up the senses before a creamy wave of lemon curd, salted peanut brittle, spiced cantaloupe, and jasmine mesmerizes before a creamy wave of star fruit, pineapple, and chamomile mesmerizes before a creamy wave of star fruit, pineapple, and chamomile mesmerizes before a creamy wave
#4. Katherine’s Vineyard, 2018 Cambria Chardonnay
“Light and powerful, with a vibrant core of apple and peach pastry flavors and dried tropical fruit accents,” writes Wine Spectator of Santa Barbara, California. Buttery midpalate, plush finish with a spiciness that lingers.”
#5. Kendall Jackson Chardonnay
“California Wine Enthusiast”
This wine has a good balance restrained layer. It’s also rich and creamy without being overly showy. It has an apple-tart flavor with hints of vanilla and nutmeg, with a well-balanced acidity.
#6. Sonoma Coast La Crema Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay bursts with enticing aromas of citrus, floral notes, butterscotch, lemon peel, and a slight spicy quality. This Chardonnay wine brand is also a product of Sonoma, California. Citrus, pear, and honeysuckle flavors mingle with a touch of toast and caramel in the mouth.
#7. River Road Chardonnay Sonoma
Sonoma, California is a city in the state of California that is known for its long, smooth finish that combines crisp pear and apple flavors with butter and vanilla notes. The Russian River appellation provides the majority of the grapes for this family-owned winery. In addition, you can combine seafood, chicken, or pasta dishes to create a delicious meal.
#8. Bogle Chardonnay
California- A hand-crafted wine with barrel fermentation, sur-lies aging, and partial malolactic fermentation, this wine has something for everyone. These meticulous procedures result in a wine that is rich in complexity and character. 2019 American Winery of the Year.
#9. Oak Grove Chardonnay Reserve
California- ripe fruit flavors abound, with a silky, long finish. Because Oak Grove believes that the best wines are made in the vineyard, they seek out the best grapes from California’s cool appellations. It’s a best-seller at the company.
#10. Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Sonoma Coast International Wine Cellar- Lemon, apple, pear, pineapple, and melon flavors combine with a nutty, spicy, subtly oak flavor to create a distinctive Chardonnay that will appeal to Chardonnay fans.
#11. Avalon Chardonnay 2019
When you can impress yourself and your friends while not breaking the bank, it’s always a plus. The 2019 Avalon Chardonnay is a product of Sonoma County’s western edge, where Pacific Ocean breezes shape each grape. It’s so impossible to overlook the magic in this bottle’s simplicity.
A smooth texture and mild acidity combine with spicy vanilla over notes of apple, orange, pear, and citrus. This wine is ideal for a last-minute dinner invitation or a flight with a long layover.
#12. Maison Champy Pernand Vergelesses En Caradeux Premier Cru 2017
Maison Champy is Burgundy’s oldest winery, with a 300-year history. You don’t get that kind of longevity by slacking off on your product’s quality. Their Pernand-Vergelesses chardonnay benefits from the varied soils of their hilly vineyards as well as the knowledge of many generations of winemakers. It’s still a mystery how they kept the price of this bottle under $100.
On the palate, there are lemon aromas and flavors of white nectarine, apple, and peach. The ripe texture improves with wispy minerals, resulting in a long, satisfying finish.
#13. Dog Point Chardonnay 2017
Dog Point is well-known for being one of New Zealand’s most admired winemakers, as well as for using organic1 growing practices. New Zealand as a whole has oceanic climates with plenty of cool fog and marine layer, but the Marlborough region on the South Island’s northern tip is one of the country’s few dry and warm spots, making it a popular winemaking location. Dog Point is a top-dog chardonnay for a reason.
Other notes such as vanilla, lemon, grapefruit, apple, and peach shine through due to the wine’s faint oakiness. With a citrus burst on the finish, this is bold and dry.
#14. Gundlach-Bundschu Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
Gundlach Vineyard is a creamy, balanced, and hearty Chardonnay wine. Though most people know California for its big ol’ Chardonnays with a lot of oak, vanilla bean intensity, and a lot of alcohol, what if all of these elements worked together? This is the wine you’d enjoy. This is a great example of a well-balanced composition. The oak is gentle and complements the creamy texture of the wine. The acidity is just right, and the alcohol is a great blend. This is an excellent wine for under $30.
#15. Domaine Matrot Saint-Romain 2017
It’s impossible to make a mistake here. It has all of the Burgundy/Beaune characteristics you’d expect from a fine white from this region. Because there are no grand or premier cru vineyards in this small area, the prices are more reasonable. It has a tart pear fruit nose with toasty vanilla notes. The palate is also very strong, with some dryness around the edges. This is an excellent wine for impressing guests while staying within your budget.
#16. Big Table Farm ‘The Wild Bee’ Chardonnay 2016
This wine will set you back a little, but it is well worth the investment. It’s a lovely, well-balanced Chardonnay that’s been made with restraint and precision. With a toasty hint of vanilla, the nose has classic pear and apple aromas. In addition, the palate is calm and broad, with no overabundance of alcohol or oak. It’s also one of the fantastic Chardonnay wine brands that should be enjoyed with good company.
#17. Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonney 2017
With toasted oaky vanilla stuff and some butterscotch, this wine smells as intense as any other Chardonnay in California. But it’s the wine’s bracing acidity that sets it apart, cleaning it up and keeping those intense aromas from overwhelming you. It also has a low alcohol content of 13.6 percent, which is fantastic. It still has that buttery flavor, but it’s a lot more approachable.
#18. Stonestreet Upper Barn Chardonnay, 2016
On the Mayacamas’ Black Mountain range, winemaker Lisa Valtenbergs takes advantage of Stonestreet’s mountain terroir. Valtenbergs and her Stonestreet team are known for their distinct cabernets and sauvignon blanc, but they also have a knack for chardonnay that matches the intensity of flavor to the altitude of their mountains.
With candied ginger, burnt honeycomb, and Marcona almonds, this wine has ripe apricots and candied pineapple. The texture of this wine is rich and clean.
#19. Morgan Metallico Chardonnay (Unoaked) 2018
Every now and then, a winemaker foregoes their toasty oak barrels in favor of fermenting their chardonnay juice in stainless steel barrels, resulting in bright, vibrant, fruity flavors. Professionals like Morgan winery, who whole-cluster-press their grapes to keep their chardonnay bright and cold, are the best wineries to handle such a twist in the process.
The end result is a lovely white wine with honeysuckle florals, lemon and lime zest, and a touch of sweetness. Through a long, almost tropical-fruit-driven finish, there’s a richness of poached pear and a vein of wet-river rock minerality.
Do You Refrigerate Chardonnay Before Opening?
Yes, you should put your opened Chardonnay in the fridge if you haven’t finished the whole bottle and want it to stay fresh for a few days. After you’ve had your glass of Chardonnay, put the rest of the bottle in the fridge with a cork.
Do You Drink Chardonnay Warm or Cold?
Rich, buttery textures of full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay, demand cool temps. Serve them at 48-60 degrees.
Buttery Chardonnay Brands
Congratulations, for whatever reason you’re looking for a buttery Chardonnay. You’ve arrived at the right location. There’s nothing wrong with preferring a more opulent appearance.
So, continue reading for a list of buttery Chardonnay brands that are absolutely delicious.
Chardonnay in the popular buttery style is largely an American invention, the result of very specific winemaking techniques. The wines go through a process known as malolactic fermentation, which is a type of secondary fermentation. This process also reduces acidity and gives the wine its distinctive round, soft mouthfeel, and rich, buttery flavor.
In contrast, wine regions such as France typically avoid this process, preferring the Chardonnay grape’s natural, more acidic profile. The grapes are also used to make some of the world’s most well-known sparkling wines.
So, which brands of wine do we recommend for a buttery chardonnay?
#1. Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve
A low-cost wine from one of the world’s largest and most well-known wineries. It has vanilla and honey aromas, as well as tropical fruit flavors like pineapple and papaya. The grapes come from the cool coastal wine regions of California. The wine is fermented and matured in oak barrels, and the sur-lie aging imparts a buttery, silky texture to the wine.
#2. Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay
This Chardonnay, from a well-known winery, has a buttery, creamy mouthfeel that melts in your tongue. Tropical fruit aromas balance out the butterscotch flavor. The wine is matured in barrels made of American and French oak.
#3. Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay
Rombauer is an excellent winery that has been producing Chardonnay for more than three decades. This wine is a product of the Carneros region, which is located south of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Malolactic fermentation and sur-lie aging are used to give the wine a buttery finish. The wine has citrus fruit, vanilla, and spice aromas, as well as vanilla, guava, and mango flavors.
#4. Cakebread Chardonnay
Photographer Jack Cakebread came to Napa for work 30 years ago and fell in love with the place. His wines are now among the most recognizable in Napa Valley. This Chardonnay has a fragrance of Pippin apples and a taste of smokey, minerally notes. The average cost is $46.
#5. Eden Road “The Long Road” Chardonnay
This winery near Murrumbateman, Australia, showcases Australia’s cool-climate wines. This wine has buttery, spicy aromas that are balanced with flinty minerality, and it definitely delivers for the price. The average cost is $16.
#6. Stag’s Leap Chardonnay
Stag’s Leap is a Napa institution, and its Chardonnay is classic Napa Chardonnay. Vanilla and caramel notes are balanced with lemon curd, white peach, and freshly picked lilacs. This wine pairs beautifully with cheese, but it’s also delicious with roast chicken or seared scallops. The average cost is $25.
#7. Butter Knife Chardonnay
California is a Chardonnay lover’s dream! Chardonnay fans will adore Butter Knife because of its smooth pear, baked apple, and toasted spice notes. Pairs well with poultry, white creamy pasta sauces, and seafood.
Conclusion
Chardonnay makes up most of the best wines in the world, so if you haven’t tried any, you are definitely missing out. But if you have tried any of these awesome wines, you would do well to let us know in the comment section. For more brand options, visit our homepage.
DISCLAIMER!
This article should not be used as a guide for purchase, it’s solely for informational purposes. We hereby emphasize that we do NOT endorse any of the brands mentioned in this post. They are subject to your choice of decision and verification. We are not sponsored by any of the brands and the information provided here is to the best of our knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pick a good chardonnay?
Look for Chardonnays that haven’t been aged in oak. Look for flavor adjectives like lean, mineral, fresh, white florals, and citrus blossom that imply no oak. Although some unoaked Chardonnays will age for a decade or more, most unoaked Chardonnays should be consumed young.
What is the most popular chardonnay wine?
2018 Benovia Chardonnay Russian River, Best Overall…. 2019 Avalon Chardonnay…. 2018 Flora Springs Family Select Chardonnay.
2017 Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses En Caradeux Premier Cru.
Which country makes the best chardonnay?
France. Burgundy, a noncontiguous region in eastern France that also produces pricy, acclaimed Pinot Noirs is known simply as “Burgundy,” producing the world’s most revered Chardonnays. Chardonnays are known by a variety of names in this region since they are classified by geography rather than grape variety.
What is a good buttery chardonnay?
Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay is a good example of buttery chardonnay. The mouthfeel of this Chardonnay is buttery and creamy, and it melts on your tongue. Tropical fruit aromas balance out the butterscotch flavor. The wine is matured in barrels made of American and French oak.
Related Articles
