White
Chardonnay
Origin: Burgundy, France
The adaptable white of Burgundy — on the West Coast, from crisp cool-climate to rich, oak-driven Napa styles.
The Grape
Chardonnay is the world's most planted white grape, remarkably malleable to site and winemaking. On the West Coast it spans crisp, cool-climate Russian River and Sonoma Coast styles to richer, oak-driven Napa examples. Oregon's Willamette produces leaner, acid-driven Chardonnay increasingly made in a Burgundian, lower-oak style.
Flavor & Aroma
Apple, lemon, pear, and citrus in cool sites; with oak, butter, vanilla, and toast. Warm sites show tropical stone fruit.
West Coast Regions
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Culinary Notes
Pair unoaked styles with oysters and shellfish; richer, oaked examples with roast chicken, lobster, and butter-driven preparations.