Chardonnay is one of the most popular types of white wine. It is very versatile and is made exclusively from chardonnay grapes. They are green-skinned white wine grapes that can grow anywhere globally, which is one reason why chardonnays are more popular.
What does Chardonnay taste like?
Chardonnay is a medium-bodied, dry wine that has a vast range of flavours, aromas and textures. The soil and the climatic conditions that the grapes originate from are factors that affect a Chardonnay's taste. If the chardonnay grapes were from a cool climate, the wine would have a fruity flavour profile such as green apple, pear, and lemon. Whereas if the grapes were from warmer regions, the flavours would resemble that of mango or pineapple.
Even within Australia, Chardonnays have different flavour profiles. If it is from Tasmania, then the chardonnays have high acidity and intense flavours. But if it is from Margaret River, then the chardonnays are powerful and rich in flavour.
Apart from climate and soil, the winemaking process also affects the taste of the wine. If it is oaked, then the Chardonnay turns into a nice golden colour and becomes rich and full-bodied. The oak also adds more flavour and texture to the wine. It also makes the wine taste a little creamier and more delicious. But if the oak is overused, then it can subdue the fruity flavour of the wine. Generally, over oaked Chardonnays only have cinnamon and vanilla flavours with absolutely zero fruitiness.
On the other hand, if you do not like a rich and powerful chardonnay, you can go for an unoaked chardonnay. These chardonnays are relatively paler when compared to oaked chardonnays. But they are fresher with hints of citrus. They still have green apple and lemon flavours but are crispier instead of creamier.
Do you refrigerate Chardonnay?
Chardonnays are just like any other wine; it has an ideal temperature range in which it tastes better. Anything above the perfect temperature range and the flavours would get mixed up, and anything below it would subdue the flavours. For chardonnays, this ideal range is between 13 to 16-degree Celsius. But room temperature is generally higher than the perfect temperature. Therefore, you have to keep chardonnays in a refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving, so that you can enjoy the best-tasting wine. You can also use a wine thermometer to check if the wine has reached its optimal temperature. If you are in a hurry, you can place the Chardonnay bottle in a bucket of ice along with some table salt. Salt is an excellent heat absorbing agent and can bring the temperature down in minutes. If there is an unfinished bottle, make sure that it is sealed tightly with a cork and refrigerated to prevent it from getting spoiled.
How to drink Chardonnay?
To enjoy a nice glass of Chardonnay, you need to get the basics right. Firstly, select a wine glass that is large and narrow at the top. Next, fill only one-third of the glass with Chardonnay and give it a nice swirl so that you can sniff the aroma of the wine. While holding the glass, make sure that you touch the stem and not the body, else your body temperature might affect the wine's temperature. Finally, gently sniff the aroma and take a small sip. Now instead of gulping it down, rotate it around your tongue for a few seconds so that you can taste the unique flavour profile of the wine.
If you like the way a chardonnay tastes, then you would love the health benefits it provides. Chardonnays can prevent heart attacks and avoid health issues that are related to blood vessels and kidneys. Chardonnay has compounds that can prevent clotting and increase blood flow, thereby decreasing the risk of having a stroke. It also activates a specific gene called Sirtuin 1 that helps in slowing down the aging process. It can improve the absorption of antioxidants that enhances bone density. Apart from all these benefits, if you are a woman, drinking a glass of Chardonnay can lower the risk of ovarian cancer. But make sure to consume chardonnays in a moderate amount (1 to 2 glass/day) as overconsumption of wine can harm your health.
What food goes with Chardonnay?
It is always important to pair your wine with the right cuisine; else you will only end up ruining both the wine and the meal. While most white wines are flexible and pair well with any food, chardonnays are subtle and easily overwhelmed by spicy foods. The ideal type of food to pair with Chardonnay is soft and subtle foods that are not too spicy or acidic. So here are a few dos and don'ts to enjoy a wonderful meal.
Always serve Chardonnay with mild, creamy dishes. You can pair them with meaty fishes like halibut or cod and shellfish like lobster and shrimp. You can also have a chardonnay with some seasoned poultry and pork dishes. If your Chardonnay has oak in it, then you can pair it with toasty flavours such as toasted nuts and pastry crust. But if there is no oak, it would go well with meals like baked fish and poultry.
As far as foods to avoid is concerned, never pair Chardonnay with bitter foods like bitter greens or vegetables. These would make the wine taste sour. Also, make sure to avoid having Chardonnay with Indian or Chinese cuisines. The spices in them would only ruin your Chardonnay.
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