Chardonnay: To oak or not to oak?
There are two distinct styles of Chardonnay:
• Oaked Chardonnays are fermented and then aged in oak barrels. Too much can blot out the subtler characteristics of the grape (by the late 1990s, there were so many over-oaked Chardonnays that they earned the nickname “Château 2 by 4”). Done correctly, however, oak aging can give the wine a rounder texture and add flavours of butterscotch, toasted nut, honey, nutmeg, smoke and vanilla. These wines are rich, supple and softer and can stand up to cream sauces, lobster and veal.

• Unoaked Chardonnays are fermented in stainless-steel tanks, which keep them light, fresh and crisp. They are best served with seafood and lighter fare.

Chardonnay profile

• Alcohol: Medium to high
• Acidity: Mostly moderate - can be higher in cooler climates
• Aroma Profile: Easily influenced by the soil and climate where it is grown. Oak barrel aging can also have a strong effect.

Cooler-climate Chardonnays

• From: Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand and Oregon
• Flavours: Less-ripe fruit (apple, pear, nectarine, lemon and lime)

Warmer-climate Chardonnays

• From: Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, South Africa and south of France
• Flavours: Riper fruit (pineapple, peach, fruit salad)

How to serve Chardonnay
Stemware: White wine glass (you can use a larger, wider glass for oaked varieties)
Temperature: 45°F to 57°F (7°C to 14°C)

Best enjoyed: Highly versatile, Chardonnay can be consumed as an aperitif (lighter styles) or with food all the way through to the main course. The bigger, oaky styles often appeal to people who favour red wine. The buttery aspects of warmer-climate Chardonnays make them a perfect match when munching popcorn in front of the TV.

Avoid: Overly sweet or spicy foods

20-minute rule: People often drink red wine too warm (soupy, alcoholic-tasting) and white wines too cold (flat, dull, acidic). Twenty minutes before serving, pop your bottle of red INTO or take your bottle of white OUT OF the refrigerator.

Chardonnay pairing menus

• Light and lively Chardonnay pairing menu
• Medium-bodied Chardonnay pairing menu
• Rich and opulent Chardonnay pairing menu for two