Chardonnay

From crystalline Chablis to a creamy New World cru: no white grape is as chameleon-like – or as universally admired – as chardonnay.

The chameleon of white wines

Chardonnay is the most sought-after noble white grape in the world. Its secret is its capacity for transformation: depending on climate, soil and ageing, it ranges from lean and mineral to ample and creamy. It is precisely this versatility that makes it a favourite of growers and wine lovers alike.

From Burgundy to the New World

Its spiritual home is Burgundy, where Chablis renders it crystalline and taut, while the Côte de Beaune shows it noble and barrel-aged. In the New World – California, Australia, South Africa – warmer, fruit-driven styles emerge, with aromas of ripe pineapple and vanilla. South Tyrol and Switzerland craft fine alpine versions of their own.

Our Chardonnay recommendations

• Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons – pure Burgundy: crystalline, mineral and finely tensioned.
• Festival Chardonnay Alto Adige – the alpine reading – clear, fresh and elegantly balanced.
• Riverstone Chardonnay Arroyo Seco – Californian amplitude with a creamy texture and ripe fruit.

Chardonnay at the table

The lean, unoaked style accompanies fish, seafood and sushi to perfection. Creamy, barrel-aged chardonnays pair with poultry in cream sauce, veal or a hard cheese. Lobster is a classic companion.

Serving it right

Serve lean chardonnays well chilled, at 9 to 11 °C, and fuller barrel-aged wines a little warmer, at 12 to 13 °C. Freshness and creamy fullness then stay in fine balance.

Discover our selection of white wines and find your chardonnay. Free shipping from CHF 99 throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.