W3 Wine School

Chardonnay (Italy)

Chardonnay is cultivated in many italian regions.

The best areas (in the North) produce light bodied unoaked Chardonnays.

Unoaked Chardonnay Flavors

Citrus and Green Apple flavors are typical for Unoaked Chardonnay. Notes of Minerals, but less "Flinty" than Chablis.

Lemon
Lemon
Lime
Lime
Apple
Apple
Mineral
Minerals

Unoaked Chardonnay Profile

Unoaked Chardonnay is light, dry, and crispy:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Unoaked Chardonnay Food Pairing

Chablis pairs best with Seafood, Fried Fish, and Fried Chicken.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Oysters
Oysters
Shrimps
Shrimps
Crab
Seafood
Fish
Fish
Chicken
Chicken
Fries
Fries
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese

Excellent Pairings

Oysters. Clams. Shrimps.
Plain Fish. Sea Bass.
Fried Fish. French Fries.
Fish and Chips.

French Specialities

Snails or Prawns with Garlic.
Fried Chicken with French Fries.

The Ideal Glass for Unoaked Chardonnay

A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.

The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings.

The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde.

Unoaked Chardonnay Cheese Pairing

Unoaked Chardonnay is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Go for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.

You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

The tanginess of a Goat Cheese (Feta, Chèvre) will complements the subtle fruit notes in Unoaked Chardonnay.

The delicate flavor of a Mozzarella pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta is especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Soft Cheeses

The creamy texture and mild flavors of a Brie work beautifully with Unoaked Chardonnay.

Camembert is similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

The nutty, buttery qualities of a Fontina can make a good match.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

A lightly aged Gouda can add a complementary tang to Unoaked Chardonnay.

Serra Estrela is classic Spanish pairing. It has a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor.

Gruyère is mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

The mild creaminess of a Robiola or a Gorgonzola Dolce can contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Unoaked Chardonnay

You Will Also Like:

Arinto (Portugal)
Bourgogne Blanc (France)
Burgundy White (France)
Chablis (France)
Chardonnay (Unoaked)
Muscadet (France)
Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Picapoll (Spain)
Piquepoul (France)
Txakoli (Spain)
Vinho Verde (Portugal)

If You Like Unoaked Chardonnay

You Will Also Like:

Ansonica (Italy)
Arinto (Portugal)
Bourgogne Blanc (France)
Chablis (France)
Chardonnay (Unoaked)
Côte d’Or (France)
Inzolia (Italy)
Furmint (Hungary)
Melon de Bourgogne (France)
Muscat Blanc (France)
Muscadet (France)
Moscato Secco (Italy)
Pederna (Portugal)
Petit Chablis (France)
Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Picapoll (Spain)
Picpoul Blanc (France)
Piquepoul (France)
Retsina (Greece)
Txakoli (Spain)
Zibibbo (Italy)
Vinho Verde (Portugal)
Welschriesling (Austria)

The Ideal Glass for Unoaked Chardonnay

A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.

The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings.

The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde.

The Chardonnay Grape

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, the world's most popular white wine grape, was born in the Burgundy region of France.

It thrives in a range of climates, from cool to warm, each imparting distinct characteristics to the wine.

Read more ...

Chardonnay Regions

Flags

In cooler regions, Chardonnay exhibits flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, accompanied by high acidity and a crisp finish.

Warmer climates bring out richer, more tropical fruit notes like pineapple, mango, and peach, often with a fuller body.

Read more ...

Chardonnay Profiles

Chardonnay's profile can be further influenced by winemaking techniques.

Oak aging introduces flavors of vanilla, butter, and toast, adding complexity and a creamy texture.

Stainless steel fermentation preserves its bright, fruit-forward nature.


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