Chardonnay has probably found it's way into almost every single wine drinker's glass at some time or another. This is because it is planted almost every where wine grapes can be grown, does well in different climates and has a history going back about 2000 years in France. Chardonnay is grown in all the U.S. wine growing regions and is the premier white wine grape of Burgundy, France. The white wines of Burgundy are 100% Chardonnay, world famous for their quality and ageability, are often produced in very small quantities, and reach very high prices due to supply and demand. Chardonnay is grown in Australia, South America, oh hell, almost everywhere grapes can be grown.

Chardonnay is exciting in the fact that it is a grape that gives the winemaker an open playing field onto which many flavors and textures can be imparted. Chardonnay can be crisp, light and acidic from one winery and creamy, toasty, and full-bodied from another winery across the street. Its popularity is in its flexibility to produce many different styles enjoyed by many different drinkers. A flavor spectrum on this wine could be down right confusing if you let it, but don't let it. If you start off with a selection from California for about $12, you will possibly run into citrus fruit flavors, hints of melon, vanilla, some taosty character and some creaminess. California has over 1200 wineries producing wine, and probably 95% of those make a Chardonnay, so there are a ton of choices on the market and many different styles made.

White wines are generally not a wine to be put in a cellar for aging, but some high end, top quality Chardonnay producers do make Chardonnay's that can be cellared for 3-10 years and will show some improvement after time. Most all the Chardonnays you will see at your wine store are ready and willing to opened and drank today. Chardonnay matches up with many foods and is a wine varietal that you should give some of your time to get to know.

Chardonnay really hit its prime when it was grown in California, however. Its popularity has grown immensely in the past fourty years, to where it is now the most popular white wine available. Winemakers love Chardonnay because the vines are easy to grow, and have a high yield. Wine drinkers love Chardonnay because of the wide variety of flavours it can take on. Depending on where it's grown and how it's fermented, Chardonnay can taste semi-sweet or sour, heady or light. Typical flavors are apple, tangerine, lemon, lime, melon, and oak. Also, Chardonnay is not a "rich man's drink". A surprisingly good chardonnay can cost under $10.

Chardonnay is usually dry, and goes best with poultry or seafood, like lobster or scallops. It can even go well with a light red meat dish. Good cheeses for Chardonnay include Gruyere, Provolone, and Brie.

In addition to California and Burgundy, Chardonnays are also grown in quantity in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Cool-climate Chardonnays get longer growing times, and end up with subtle overtones. Warm-climate Chardonnays, on the other hand, become more flavorful and full tasting.