Everything You Should Know About Chardonnay

There's a common misconception that you need to be an expert to choose the right wine based on your taste or to pair it with certain foods. You need to dedicate many years to studying enology (the science of wine and winemaking) if you want to be an expert and oenologist. But if you want to know a bit more about wine because you are interested in the topic and want to understand what you are ordering while in a restaurant, you don't have to commit your whole life to it. You can quickly learn about wines, how to drink them, and how to pair them with different foods. With a few simple guidelines, you'll be equipped with practical knowledge you can apply in bars and restaurants in no time.  You, like many others, may differentiate between white and red wine and maybe rosé. But after reading this article, your knowledge about this marvelous drink will be a bit more profound, and you'll learn more about one of the most popular types made of green grapes.  We're talking about Chardonnay wine, and if you want to learn more about it, you found the right place because we love wine, we know a lot about it, and we know where you can find the best white wine in Miami, FL. So, let's dive deep into the universe of Chardonnay wine. 

What Is Chardonnay?

If you know nothing about this alcoholic beverage, the first question we should answer is what exactly Chardonnay is. You've probably already heard about it, as it is one of the most famous wines worldwide. It is made from green grapes, the so-called Chardonnay grapes, that are native to Burgundy, France. There are different types of this wine with miscellaneous notes, from crisp and straightforward, to rich and oaky. 

How Does It Taste? 

The big question of how Chardonnay wine tastes is sometimes hard to answer. And the reason behind that is the versatility of this green grape. The Chardonnay grape can grow and survive in different climates, and it can adapt really well. It's also easy to work with, and many winemakers love it for that. And because this grape is so adaptable and it can grow almost anywhere, the taste of the grape and wine is different depending on the location. The winemaker can make this green grape into a light or rich wine. And that's why it is considered one of the best white wines. It is a beverage you drink when you want to relax and enjoy your time and food. Usually, you'll find it to be a bit dry with moderate acidity and alcohol levels. It's also versatile in flavor; you can sense a bit of apple and lemon and sometimes vanilla when it's aged in oak barrels. 

The Flavors in the Best Chardonnay Wine 

There are many flavors a Chardonnay wine bottle can offer you, which is why many people love this wine.  You can find rich oaky flavors and smoke depending on the type of barrels. You can taste fruity flavors like lemon, apple, and pineapple, which come from green grapes. And the winemaking process also leaves its trace in the final product, as you can sometimes taste scents of vanilla or cinnamon.  An essential factor contributing to a specific flavor is the climate where the Chardonnay grape grows. If the climate is cooler, the wine will be lighter in alcohol and a bit more acidic with dominating citrus flavors.  And if the climate is warmer, the end product will be a wine with subtle flavors of tropical fruits, less acidity, more sweetness, and a higher alcohol percentage. If you want to try the best white wine from cooler regions, try finding something from France, Chile, or New Zealand. And if you want to try the best Chardonnay wine from warmer climates, you should look for something from Australia, California, or Spain. 

How to Serve It

Every white wine is served chilled, and if you serve it warm, you can ruin the taste of even the best white wine. Also, you should be careful not to over-refrigerate it because excess cold can kill all the flavors and aromas.  To achieve the perfect temperature, put the bottle in your fridge two hours before you plan on serving it. Please don't put it in the freezer, because you'll forget about it and make a mess. It should only be refrigerated for more than two hours if you can't finish the bottle and want to save the rest. In that case, try to finish the bottle in the next three days, and always take it outside the fridge to warm it up a bit until it reaches around 50 °F.

How to Pair It With food

Because of its versatility, Chardonnay wine is one of the easiest to pair with food. If you are in a restaurant, you can always ask for a recommendation, and the expert will gladly help you find the perfect wine to pair with the dish you want to eat.  And if you are planning to make dinner and you want to treat yourself and others to a perfect blend of wine and food, here are some guidelines.  You need to pay attention to the alcohol level in the wine.  The drink is considered light-bodied if the level is lower and under 12.5 %. And it should be paired with foods that are also light, like appetizers such as goat cheese and oysters.  If the level is between 12.5% and 13.5%, you are looking at a medium-bodied wine, and you should pair it with aged cheese, chicken, and white fish.  Those above 13.5% are considered full-bodied and rich wines; you can pair them with rich foods, such as red meat, creamy cheese sauces, and mushrooms. And considering that the best Chardonnay wine is, in most cases, dry and medium to full body, you can pair it with almost everything. It will go great with any kind of fish, meat, and a variety of cheeses and sauces. 

Try Some of the Best Wine in Miami

Now you know everything you need to know about this specific wine type. So, you can go on and confidently order a glass or two because you now know what to expect and what to ask for. And you are one step closer to becoming a great wine connoisseur. And if we managed to tickle your imagination and now you are craving a decent glass of wine, we invite you to visit us at Stubborn Seed. We can offer you a meticulously curated wine menu with some of the best wines from the Old and New World, not to mention our Chef's tasting menu that you can pair with those excellent wines. Call us today and book your reservation if you want to sail into the magnificent world of wine.