Chardonnay

There’s good reason why Chardonnay is the one of the world’s most popular white wines. One of the few white wines that gets better with age, some Chardonnays won’t reach their peak of flavor for five to eight years. The aging process, done mostly in oak barrels, give buttery and toasty flavors to the wine and adds complexity often thought to belong exclusively to red wines. Each wine varietal has its own unique personality but Chardonnay has many. Based on its growing region, oak or non-oak aging, and flavor elements, Chardonnay can be oaky, buttery, citrusy, florally or even tropical in taste. Why we love it: Paired with food or all on its own, Chardonnay is a great wine 12 months a year. While heavier reds can be tough in the heat of summer, Chardonnay knows no season. As comfortable with grilled chicken at a BBQ or turkey at Thanksgiving, Chardonnay is a wine for all seasons and wine for all reasonsFood pairings: When you think Chardonnay, think lighter foods: shellfish, tilapia, halibut, chicken, turkey, nuts and pasta or risotto with cream and butter sauces. Cheese pairings: Brie, Camembert, Aged Cheddar and Époisses de Bourgogne.