W3 Wine School

Chardonnay (Unoaked)

Unoaked Chardonnay has not been aged in oak but fermented in stainless steel tanks. Unoaked Chardonnay is lighter in body, has more acidity, and flavors of green apples and lemons.

Light Chardonnay Flavors

Citrus and Green Apple flavors are typical for Chablis.

With notes of "Flinty" Minerals.

Lemon
Lemon
Lime
Lime
Apple
Apple
Mineral
Flint

Light Chardonnay Profile

Chablis is light, dry, and crispy:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperatures:

8-10°C (46-50°F)
Grand Cru 10-12°C (50-54°F)

Light Chardonnay Food Pairing

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

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

Excellent Pairings

Oysters. Mussels. 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 Light 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.

Light Chardonnay Cheese Pairing

Light 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 Light 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 Light 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 Light 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 Light 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)

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