Chardonnay

Chardonnay – The world-famous grape variety with many faces

Chardonnay is one of the best-known and most widely cultivated white wine varieties in the world. Originally from Burgundy (France), this noble grape variety has established itself in almost all wine-growing regions – from California to Australia and South Africa. Thanks to its adaptability to different terroirs and cultivation methods, it is available in many styles: Fresh & mineral from Chablis, buttery & full-bodied from California or elegant & nutty from Burgundy.

But what makes Chardonnay so special for the perfect accompaniment to food? Its flavor profile ranges from fruity citrus & apple notes to creamy vanilla & brioche aromas (due to the aging in wooden barrels). As a result, it harmonizes with a variety of dishes – from light starters to creamy main courses.

➡ Which dishes go best with Chardonnay? Find out the best food pairings for different Chardonnay styles here !

🥂 Chardonnay & food – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Fresh, mineral Chardonnays (e.g. Chablis, Germany, northern Italy)

Taste: Light, citrusy, crisp acidity, mineral
Typical aromas: lemon, green apple, chalk, wet stones

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Fish & seafood → Oysters, mussels, sushi
✔ Light salads & vegetable dishes → Asparagus, green beans, zucchinis
✔ Goat’s cheese & cream cheese

➡ Recommended recipes:

• Fried cod with pea puree & caramelized onions
• Lemon risotto with green asparagus & roasted almonds

2️⃣ Creamy, medium-bodied Chardonnays (e.g. Burgundy, South Tyrol, New Zealand)

Taste: Round, delicately fruity, subtle woody notes
Typical aromas: pear, peach, honeydew melon, hazelnut, vanilla

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Creamy pasta dishes → Pasta Alfredo, pumpkin ravioli
✔ Poultry & veal → Chicken breast with wild garlic risotto, veal escalope
✔ Soft cheese → Brie, camembert

➡ Recommended recipes:

• Chicken breast with wild garlic risotto & roasted hazelnuts
• Pasta with prawns & lemon and garlic sauce

3️⃣ Buttery Chardonnays matured in wood (e.g. California, Australia, southern France)

Taste: Full-bodied, buttery, gentle acidity, often with vanilla and roasted aromas
Typical aromas: butter, caramel, tropical fruit, roasted nuts

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Grilled fish & seafood → Salmon, lobster, scallops
✔ Stronger meat dishes → Pork fillet with mustard crust, braised beef cheeks
✔ Hard cheese & matured cheese → Gruyère, Comté, matured Gouda

➡ Recommended recipes:

• Pork fillet with mustard crust & creamed savoy cabbage
• Fried skrei with lemon butter & winter vegetables

🔍 Chardonnay & wine pairing at a glance

📌 Tip: If you are unsure, choose a balanced Chardonnay from Burgundy – it goes well with many dishes!

🚀 Conclusion: Why Chardonnay is the perfect food wine

Chardonnay is one of the most versatile grape varieties of all, as it is available in both fresh, mineral and buttery, powerful forms. This makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes – from light seafood to creamy pasta dishes and grilled meat.

📌 Whether you are enjoying a refreshing fish dish or a buttery risotto – Chardonnay is always the perfect wine accompaniment! 🍷

➡ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀