Chardonnay – An Expressive Classic with Great Diversity

Characteristics of the Chardonnay Grape

The high-quality grape behind the great white wines of Burgundy is naturally rather restrained in flavour and benefits particularly from ageing in oak barrels. Chardonnay wines are known for their vibrant acidity, remarkable ageing potential and layered complexity, which develops especially in outstanding sites with limestone-rich soils.
Chardonnay is highly adaptable and reflects both terroir and winemaker’s signature in an impressive way. From cool, mineral-driven styles from northern wine regions to full-bodied, creamy expressions with subtle oak influence, the grape variety displays a wide aromatic spectrum. Typical aromas include green and yellow fruit, citrus notes, occasional tropical accents and – when barrel-aged – delicate hints of butter, vanilla and nuts.

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The Most Important Chardonnay Regions

Chardonnay is one of the few grape varieties capable of producing outstanding wines in a wide range of wine regions around the world. Burgundy is considered the birthplace of the great classics, where Chardonnay – especially in the Côte de Beaune and Chablis – stands for mineral precision, elegance and depth. Limestone-rich soils and a cool climate define its distinctive style.
Chardonnay also plays a central role in Champagne, particularly in finely structured, fresh and long-lived sparkling wines. In Germany and Switzerland, increasingly precise, terroir-driven Chardonnays are being produced, characterised by clarity of fruit and restrained use of oak.
Overseas regions such as California, Australia and New Zealand showcase the more powerful side of Chardonnay: full-bodied, ripe and often with pronounced texture. Here, the grape clearly demonstrates how strongly origin, climate and winemaker influence the final style.

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Overview: Key Chardonnay Regions

Among the most renowned regions for Chardonnay are:

• Burgundy
• Champagne
• Germany
• Switzerland
• California

Chardonnay as a Food Pairing Wine

Chardonnay offers versatile pairing possibilities:

• Fresh, vibrant styles pair beautifully with fish, seafood or light pasta dishes.
• Richer, oak-aged Chardonnays complement poultry, veal or dishes with creamy sauces.
• Creamy, structured styles can even form an excellent match with aged cheeses.

Our Key Chardonnay Producers

Let yourself be inspired by our recommendations and discover different stylistic expressions of Chardonnay from our producers:

• Möhr-Niggli (Bündner Herrschaft)
• Rudolf Fürst (Franken)
• Friedrich Becker (Pfalz)
• Domaine Servin (Burgundy)
• Hubert Lamy (Burgundy)
• Bachelet-Monnot (Burgundy)
• Ramey (California)

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Discover Chardonnay Wines – Buying Tips

Our range includes Chardonnays in a variety of styles:

• Fresh: Ideal as an aperitif or with delicate dishes.
• Powerful and complex: Oak ageing or extended lees contact creates a full-bodied, layered wine.
• Terroir-driven: Origin strongly influences the aroma profile – from chalky and mineral to juicy and fruit-forward.

Our selection focuses on small, sustainable producers whose wines stand out through origin, craftsmanship and quality. Many of these Chardonnays are available in limited quantities and showcase the remarkable diversity of this classic white grape variety.

Order your selection online or contact us for personal advice. We deliver your order to your home within two working days – free of charge from CHF 199 or 12 bottles.

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