It's no secret that Chardonnay is one of the most popular and widely consumed wines in the world. From the first sip of a crisp, refreshing glass to the robust, oaky notes of an aged bottle, Chardonnay is the perfect wine for just about any occasion. But with so many brands on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to buy.

That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide of the best Chardonnay brands to buy in 2023. We've carefully selected 20 of the top Chardonnay wines from around the world, so you can find the perfect bottle for your next dinner party or special occasion.

What is Chardonnay?

Chardonnay is a white wine variety that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is one of the most popular types of wine in the world, and it is made from the Chardonnay grape variety. Chardonnay wines typically have a light to medium body with flavors of apple, pear, citrus, and tropical fruits. They can range from crisp and acidic to creamy and rich, depending on the style of the wine and the region where it was made.

Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, from light salads to rich pastas. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie. No matter how you enjoy it, Chardonnay is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Benefits of Drinking Chardonnay

Chardonnay is more than just a tasty beverage; it also has a variety of health benefits. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of white wine, such as Chardonnay, can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar levels.

In addition to its health benefits, Chardonnay is also a great choice for those who are watching their weight. A 5-ounce glass of Chardonnay contains around 125 calories, so it's a great choice if you're looking to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

The Different Types of Chardonnay

Chardonnay wines come in a variety of styles, from light and crisp to rich and oaky. Here are the most common types of Chardonnay:

• Unoaked Chardonnay: Unoaked Chardonnays are light-bodied wines that are aged in neutral containers such as stainless steel, rather than oak barrels. They tend to have bright, fruity flavors and are generally less expensive than other Chardonnays.
• Oaked Chardonnay: Oaked Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels, which impart a rich, buttery flavor. These wines are typically fuller-bodied and more expensive than unoaked Chardonnays.
• Sparkling Chardonnay: Sparkling Chardonnays are made by adding carbon dioxide to the wine, resulting in a sparkling, bubbly beverage. These wines tend to be drier and more acidic than still wines, and they pair well with a variety of foods.

The Best Chardonnay Brands To Buy In 2023

Now that you know more about Chardonnay, it's time to find the best brands to buy in 2023. We've put together a list of 20 of the top Chardonnay wines from around the world, so you can stock up on the perfect bottle for any occasion.

1. Beringer Chardonnay: Beringer is a California-based winery that produces a number of delicious Chardonnay wines. Their Chardonnay is light-bodied with notes of citrus, apple, and tropical fruits.

2. Cono Sur Chardonnay: Cono Sur is a Chilean winery that produces a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay with notes of citrus, peach, and green apple. It's the perfect choice for a summer day.

3. Santa Carolina Chardonnay: Santa Carolina is an award-winning Chilean winery that produces a light, fruity Chardonnay with notes of citrus, pineapple, and pear.

4. Yellow Tail Chardonnay: Yellow Tail is an Australian winery that produces a full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of melon, peach, and tropical fruits.

5. Simi Chardonnay: Simi is a California-based winery that produces a creamy, oaky Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and spice.

6. Cakebread Chardonnay: Cakebread is a Napa Valley winery that produces a buttery Chardonnay with notes of citrus, peach, and tropical fruits.

7. Columbia Crest Chardonnay: Columbia Crest is a Washington-based winery that produces a light, crisp Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruits.

8. Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay: Kendall-Jackson is a California-based winery that produces a rich, oaky Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and spice.

9. Robert Mondavi Chardonnay: Robert Mondavi is a California-based winery that produces a creamy, oak-aged Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.

10. Iron Horse Chardonnay: Iron Horse is a California-based winery that produces a crisp, light-bodied Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruits.

11. Chalk Hill Chardonnay: Chalk Hill is a Sonoma-based winery that produces a full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.

12. Grgich Hills Chardonnay: Grgich Hills is a California-based winery that produces a creamy, oaky Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruits.

13. Bouchard Aine & Fils Chardonnay: Bouchard Aine & Fils is a French winery that produces a light, crisp Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.

14. Jacob's Creek Chardonnay: Jacob's Creek is an Australian winery that produces a light, fruity Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.

15. La Crema Chardonnay: La Crema is a California-based winery that produces a creamy, oaky Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruits.

16. St. Supery Chardonnay: St. Supery is a California-based winery that produces a full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.

17. Oyster Bay Chardonnay: Oyster Bay is a New Zealand winery that produces a light, crisp Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruits.

18. Macon Villages Chardonnay: Macon Villages is a French winery that produces a light, fruity Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.

19. Kim Crawford Chardonnay: Kim Crawford is an award-winning New Zealand winery that produces a full-bodied Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruits.

20. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay: Robert Mondavi Private Selection is a California-based winery that produces a creamy, oaky Chardonnay with notes of apple, pear, and spice.

Choosing the Right Chardonnay

Now that you know some of the best Chardonnay brands to buy in 2023, it's time to decide which one is right for you. The best way to do this is to think about the food you plan on serving with the wine. If youre serving light dishes such as salads or fish, then a light-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay would be a great choice.

If youre serving heavier dishes such as beef or pork, then a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay would be a better option. Sparkling Chardonnays are also a great choice for special occasions, as they pair well with a variety of foods and add a festive touch to any gathering

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Serving & Storing Chardonnay

Once youve chosen the perfect Chardonnay, its time to serve and store it properly. The best way to serve Chardonnay is to chill it for about 45 minutes before serving. This will help bring out the flavors of the wine and make it more enjoyable.

When it comes to storing Chardonnay, its important to keep it away from light and heat. The ideal storage temperature for Chardonnay is between 45-55F. If you plan on storing your Chardonnay for a long period of time, its best to keep it in a cool, dark place such as a cellar or wine refrigerator.

Food Pairings with Chardonnay

Once youve chosen the perfect Chardonnay and served it properly, its time to think about what food to pair it with. Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, from light salads to rich pastas. For lighter dishes such as salads, fish, and shellfish, a light-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay is a great choice. For heartier dishes such as beef, pork, and roasted vegetables, a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay would be a better option.

For a festive occasion, a sparkling Chardonnay is always a great choice. It pairs well with a variety of foods and adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.

Chardonnay Cocktails

Chardonnay is more than just a great accompaniment to food; it can also be used to make delicious cocktails. Here are a few of our favorite Chardonnay-based cocktails:

Chardonnay Spritzer: This refreshing cocktail is made with Chardonnay, soda water, and a squeeze of lemon.

Chardonnay Mule: This twist on the classic Moscow Mule is made with Chardonnay, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime.

Chardonnay Margarita: This twist on the classic Margarita is made with Chardonnay, lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur.

Chardonnay Sangria: This delicious twist on the classic Sangria is made with Chardonnay, brandy, orange juice, and a variety of fruits.

The Perfect Chardonnay Gift

Chardonnay is a great gift for any occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries. If youre looking for the perfect Chardonnay gift, here are a few ideas:

A bottle of Chardonnay with a personalized label: This is a great way to give a special touch to your gift.

A Chardonnay-themed gift basket: This could include a bottle of Chardonnay, some gourmet chocolates, and other Chardonnay-themed items such as glasses, corkscrews, and cheese boards.

A Chardonnay wine-tasting experience: This could include a guided tour of a local winery, a wine-tasting session, and a private dinner with a Chardonnay expert.

Conclusion

Chardonnay is a versatile and popular white wine variety that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a wide range of foods. Whether you prefer a light and crisp unoaked Chardonnay or a rich and buttery oaked Chardonnay, there is a brand out there that will suit your taste. From California to Australia and beyond, wineries around the world are producing delicious Chardonnay wines that are perfect for any occasion. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you discover some of the best Chardonnay brands to buy in 2023, and that you enjoy exploring the flavors and aromas of this beloved wine variety.

FAQs

Still have questions about Chardonnay? Here are some of the most common questions about this popular white wine variety:

What are the health benefits of drinking Chardonnay?

Studies have shown that moderate consumption of white wine, such as Chardonnay, can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar levels.

How many calories are in a glass of Chardonnay?

A 5-ounce glass of Chardonnay contains around 125 calories, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight.

What food pairs best with Chardonnay?

Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. For lighter dishes such as salads, fish, and shellfish, a light-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay is a great choice. For heartier dishes such as beef, pork, and roasted vegetables, a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay would be a better option.

What is the best way to store Chardonnay?

Its important to keep Chardonnay away from light and heat. The ideal storage temperature for Chardonnay is between 45-55F. If you plan on storing your Chardonnay for a long period of time, its best to keep it in a cool, dark place such as a cellar or wine refrigerator.