Chardonnay can take on many forms, from deliciously delicate sparklers to still wines that run the gamut from crisp and steely, to robust and round.

While many wine drinkers connect Chardonnay to California, its roots are in Burgundy, France. The grape is planted in nearly half of the region, and its expression varies as a result of the area’s range in climate — from cool northerly Chablis to the more moderate temperatures of the Mâconnais in the south.

To understand the grape’s expressions and find the perfect Chard for your palate, explore these varieties:

Unoaked vs. Oaked Chardonnay
When it comes to these two types of Chardonnay, the biggest difference is that one has been fermented in stainless steel and the other fermented in oak barrels. While the average consumer may believe that California is only capable of making full-bodied and buttery wines, the truth is that Chardonnay, which embodies rich oak and creamy texture can be found anywhere in the world.

When it comes to unoaked, lighter and zesty Chardonnay, stainless steel fermentations allow for the resulting wines to taste very crisp, clean and minerally. These offer typical flavours of green apple, lemon and pear.

Cool Climate vs. Warm Climate Chardonnay
In cool climates like the South Island of New Zealand, Chablis or Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Chardonnay will express itself generally with higher acidity, more citrus-fruit flavour and minerality. It will also be lower in alcohol and zesty on the palate. Lower temperatures allow the grapes to retain their natural acidity and produce a Chardonnay that’s lighter in body.

Grapes grown in warmer climates like California, South Africa, Australia and Spain will generally be lower in acidity and higher in alcohol, but they’ll bring forth richer, riper fruit flavours like pineapple, apple and lemon.

Burgundy Chardonnay vs. California Chardonnay
What makes Chardonnay a great grape is its ability to adjust to a variety of soil types. In Burgundy, terroir can change over the course of small areas, which can create unique expressions of the grape. Winemakers in France produce a number of quality levels, or crus, to best showcase the fruit’s quality.

In the Golden State, altitude and vineyard aspect can play a major role in the grape’s exposure to the sun. It gives Chardonnay the opportunity to ripen and produce full-bodied wines that are high in alcohol.

Price can often help to determine the quality of a good white Burgundy or California Chardonnay, but it’s important to note where the wine was sourced. Regional wines, like those that are labeled Bourgogne, tend to be inexpensive, while bottlings from site-specific premiers or grands crus will be more expensive.
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La Chablisienne Les Vénérables 2017
Chablis, France
VINTAGES #215525, $27.95 SHOP »»
"La Chablisienne's most serious village wine is the 2017 Chablis Les Vénérables Vieilles Vignes, a cuvée produced from vines averaging 50 years of age. It is only released once it has a bit of bottle age. It's more reserved, unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil and wet stones. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, textural and layered, with excellent concentration and tension, concluding with a precise and penetrating finish. Drink: 2021-2033." Score: 90 Pts. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate, August 2019.
There is no better pairing for Chablis than Gougères, a traditional savoury choux pastry from Burgundy with Comté mixed into the dough. 
Learn to make your own at home with this recipe from food and wine.

La Chablisienne Grande Cuvée Chablis 1er Cru 2018
Chablis, France
VINTAGES #685222, $34.95 SHOP »»
Grown in the Kimmeridgian clay-limestone for which Chablis is famous, this wine is sourced from Premier Cru sites on both banks of the Serein and spent about a year on fine lees before its split stay in tanks and barrels. Expect a healthy dose of marine mineral and zesty citrus.
Pour alongside your favourite seafood.

La Chablisienne Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru 2017
Chablis, France
VINTAGES #656835, $50.00 SHOP »»
"The 2017 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru is broad, ample and creamy. Dried flowers, citrus peel, chamomile and spice all grace this super-expressive, inviting wine. The 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring, although it clearly has the depth to develop nicely in bottle for a number of years. Drinking window: 2020-2029." Score: 93 Pts. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, January 2020.

Trefethen Estate Chardonnay 2018
Napa, California, U.S.A.
VINTAGES #95760, $48.95 SHOP »»
"100% Chardonnay. A delicious, enticing Chardonnay which draws you into the glass with its fresh lemon rind and pith characters, balanced by a touch of perfectly judged oak sweetness. Very textural, showing strident fruit and a juicy finish." Score: 97 Pts. - Decanter World Wine Awards, 2020.
Perfect with grilled or steamed fish and fresh vegetables. Also a great companion for lightly cooked shellfish, like crab and prawns.

Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2017
Western Cape, South Africa
VINTAGES #667196, $27.95 SHOP »»
"This is a total revelation and belongs among the Cape's best Chardonnays in 2017. Linear, chiselled and almost Chablis-like in its freshness and balance, this is skilfully oaked with some texture from partial malolactic. Drink date: 2020-2027." Score: 95 Pts. - Tim Atkin, MW, timatkin.com, South Africa Special Report 2019.
Pair with pan-fried trout with dill butter sauce.

Southbrook Triomphe Organic Chardonnay 2017
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
VINTAGES #172338, $24.95 SHOP »»
"A lively Chardonnay with a gentle oak treatment, lightly creamy profile and an abundance of freshness. Mid-weight, well-balanced and offering a generous aromatic presence. Showing a subtle complexity, notable elegance and good length." Score: 90 Pts. - Sara d'Amato, winealign.com, January 13, 2020.
Enjoy with creamy Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo.