Australian Chardonnay

Chardonnay arrived in Australia as part of the James Busby collection in 1832 and has gone on to become one of the most planted white varieties in Australia. Often called the chameleon of the wine world, Chardonnay is a master adapter that reflects the flavours of the region it is grown in and provides a blank canvas for the winemaker to experiment and bring to life distinctive flavours and characters that entice wine enthusiasts in Australia and the world over.

Australian Chardonnay expresses a range of flavours depending on the region in which it is produced. Whilst the grapes grown in cooler regions assume a complex, light-bodied, and crisp profile, the warmer region examples delight with their full-bodied complexity and depth.

 

Best Chardonnay Australia

You are spoilt for choices when it comes to Australian Chardonnay. Depending on the region in which it is grown, each bottle is unique in its flavours and characters. This means, every Australian Chardonnay is a sensory journey in its own right; giving you some of the most exceptional wines to choose from.

Buttery Chardonnay

This opulent fuller-bodied style first gained popularity in the 80s then fell out of fashion, however the style is still produced and has a loyal following. The secret of a smooth, buttery Chardonnay lies in the fermentation process called malolactic fermentation. This technique softens the acidity of the wine and gives it an irresistible, creamy, and buttery flavour.

 

Some of the best Chardonnay styles that are popular in Australia include;

Sparkling Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay

Chardonnay is hugely popular in producing French-style Sparkling wines, much desired for their citrusy, minerally characters.

Lighly oaked Chardonnay

Lightly-oaked Chardonnay is relished for its lighter, somewhat fruity profile, crisper texture and floral, citrus-tinged aromatics.

Medium to heavily oaked Chardonnay

Closer to the ‘classic’ style, these Chardonnay use oak to elicit notes of cedar and vanilla in the wine and help deliver a mouth-filling, seductive texture.

 

Is Chardonnay dry or sweet?

Chardonnay is categorised as a dry wine; however, depending on the winemaking and the level of fruit ripeness when picked, it can have a slightly sweet core of fruit, typically balanced by fresh acidity.

 

What kind of wine is Chardonnay?

So, what kind of wine is Chardonnay? The world’s most popular white wine, Chardonnay, is a versatile white grape variety that originated in the Burgundy wine region in France and is grown widely throughout Australia and the world.

 

What region in Australia makes the best Chardonnay?

Australia is home to some of the best Chardonnay in the world. It is planted in virtually every region in Australia, but some of the best Australian Chardonnay comes from Margaret River, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley, Tasmania, Beechworth and the Adelaide Hills.

Margaret River Chardonnay

One of Australia’s foremost Chardonnay regions, Margaret River has a maritime-style climate that doesn't experience extreme temperatures during summer and winter. This ensures superb growing conditions for the grapes and produces a range of styles, typically medium to full-bodied, with a lovely oak influence.

Yarra Valley Chardonnay

Some of Australia's finest Chardonnay hails from this cool region in Victoria. Typical characters are citrus, fig and stonefruit, with beautiful minerality, beguiling complexity, and some of the best age-worthy styles produced in the country.

Hunter Valley Chardonnay

Although Chardonnay tends to prefer a cooler climate, due to the adaptability of the variety, it has also found a natural home in the Hunter Valley. Embracing flavours ranging from spicy citrus to ripe peach, Hunter Valley Chardonnay produces rich, ripe wines with beautiful freshness and vitality.

Tasmanian Chardonnay

Conceived in the coldest wine region in Australia, Tasmanian Chardonnay charms with its piercing acidity, captivating aromas and elegant flavour profiles, and are some of the most sought-after examples we produce.

Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

This cool-climate region is highly suited to Chardonnay. Adelaide Hills Chardonnays are elegant, finely-structured, and are typically fruit-forward. With plantings at a range of altitudes, up to about 600m, Adelaide Hills produces some exciting Chardonnays with beguiling natural acidity, flavour and intensity.

Beechworth Chardonnay

Home to a growing community of artisanal winemakers and family-run vineyards, the rugged hills of Beechworth produce bold and beautiful flavours with linear acidity and display sensational aromatics like wildflowers, citrus fruits and spiced fig.

 

How long does Chardonnay last?

How long does a good bottle of Chardonnay last? Not very long…especially if you decide to share it with friends! But, if you are wondering how long does open wine last? Opened Chardonnay is best consumed within 2 to 3 days and should be kept tightly sealed and refrigerated. Unopened, Chardonnay can generally be cellared for up to 6 years from vintage.

 

Is Chardonnay a white wine?

Yes, Chardonnay is a white wine and arguably one of the most popular varieties in the world.

 

What is the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay?

Though both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are made from green-skinned grapes, their similarities end there. The difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay is evident in their body, flavour profile and mouthfeel. While Chardonnay tends to be heavier and more complex, Sauvignon Blanc is lighter and more crisp. They are also fermented differently, meaning Sauvignon Blanc is best enjoyed young, while Chardonnay— especially those matured in oak barrels can be cellared for longer.

 

How to buy Chardonnay from Wine Selectors?

Looking to indulge in some of the best Australian Chardonnay? You can get your Chardonnay delivered directly to your door anywhere in Australia with Wine Selectors. Enjoy a case of mixed Chardonnay wines at a great discount or get a Wine Selectors wine subscription to explore the range of styles available.