Serious Chardonnay at reasonable prices
Chardonnay appeals to winemakers and consumers alike because of its versatility, but that means there's a lot of it about. Our tasting team picks five serious Chardonnay wines that won't give your bank manager a headache...
Chardonnay price tags mirror this grape variety’s versatility, but it is possible to get the best of both worlds.
From lean and minerally Chablis to intensely rich barrel fermented Chardonnay wine from Napa, there is a huge range of styles available these days.
All of which means there’s plenty of wines to de-bunk the claims of anyone clinging to that ‘Anything But Chardonnay‘ mantra.
Read on to see which Chardonnays have impressed us the most over summer 2016.
Top five great value Chardonnay:
See more Chardonnay recommendations:
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Top California Chardonnay – Decanter panel tasting
10 great South African Chardonnay wines
Matetic, EQ Chardonnay, San Antonio, Chile, 2013
91
Sourced from organic and biodynamic vineyards that, combined with cooling Atlantic breezes and low yields, helps to produce fruit of beautiful purity and elegance. Butterscotch and tropical fruit aromas lead into a rich mouthfeel with key lime pie and honeyed nuances. The palate is refreshed by a linear, saline acidity that lingers.
2013
Matetic
Hobo Wine Company, Camp Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2015
90
Young winemaker Kenny Likitprakong sources organic and sustainably farmed grapes from the Alexander and Sonoma valleys. Fermented in stainless steel followed by 10 weeks in old oak, this is a fresh, fruit-forward no nonsense style. Fresh tropical fruit salad, lime and a hint of creamy vanilla are accompanied by a very refreshing acidity. This would make a great party wine, and would also pair well with roast chicken and salads.
2015
Hobo Wine CompanySonoma County
Marc Dudet, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, France, 2013
90
This Chardonnay planted on clay and chalky soils at 240-400 metres altitude is made from 35 year old vines. Delighful apple and lime flavours come through with a slight tropical character. It has structure and weight and the six months on its lees has added texture and depth. This wine has seen no oak resulting in a pristine and elegant style.
2013
Marc DudetMâconnais
Domaine Chavy-Chouet, Les Femelottes, Bourgogne, Burgundy, France, 2014
90
The Chavy family, located in and around Puligny-Montrachet, used to sell the bulk of their production to negociants until their son, Romaric, took over. This is a mini Puligny-Montrachet without the price tag. It is rounded, rich and complex with ripe apple flavours and a citrus peel intensity. Very classy and it will certainly impress at a dinner party.
2014
Domaine Chavy-ChouetBourgogne
Tarapacá, Gran Reserva Chardonnay, Chile, 2013
89
A polished Chardonnay from grapes sourced in the cool valley of Leyda. Full-flavoured, with tropical flavours and sweet spice derived from the gentle oak. Rich and textured with some nutty character and a good kick from the acidity. A classy wine to enjoy with food.
2013
Tarapacá
