If you want to sample a range of chardonnays—from classic regions to newer wine territories—this guide provides a detailed look at each option. Many of these wines have been personally enjoyed and prove to be excellent choices for different occasions.
This article reviews 10 great chardonnay wines from various regions around the world. It covers tasting notes, food pairings, background on each wine’s terroir, whether the style is oaked or unoaked, vintage details, pricing in local currency and USD, and notes on subscription services offering these selections.
1. Domaine du Clair Chardonnay (Burgundy, France)
This wine hails from Burgundy, a region celebrated for its chalky limestone soils and mild climate. The local terroir gives the wine a firm structure and bright acidity. The 2018 vintage offers aromas of red apple and pear accented by subtle vanilla and a creamy texture. As an oaked Chardonnay, it matured in French oak barrels to build complexity.
It pairs nicely with roasted chicken, cream-based pasta, and soft cheeses. Priced at €25 (about $28 USD), it is available on subscription platforms like Wine Access and Sip & Savor.
2. Golden Valley Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley, USA)
From Sonoma Valley, this great chardonnay wine benefits from a warm climate combined with cool coastal breezes. The 2019 vintage presents notes of banana and tropical fruits with a light spiciness from gentle oak influence. An oaked Chardonnay with balanced barrel character, it offers a lively and well-rounded profile.
It is an ideal match for grilled fish, a fresh Caesar salad, or dishes featuring light cream sauces. Retailing at $30, Golden Valley Chardonnay is available through services such as WineSelect and Vines & Co.
3. Margaret River Reserve Chardonnay (Margaret River, Australia)
Produced in Margaret River, famed for its maritime influence and mineral-rich soils, this wine displays layers of citrus and stone fruit with hints of buttered oak. The 2020 vintage, crafted in an oaked style, presents a rounded profile while retaining crisp acidity.
It pairs well with seafood pasta, bruschetta, or a light summer salad. Priced at AU$35 (roughly $25 USD), it is offered through subscription services such as Vinology and Wine Access.
4. Cloudy Bay Chardonnay (Marlborough, New Zealand)
Coming from New Zealand’s Marlborough region, this unoaked chardonnay is noted for its clean and refreshing style. The cool climate and gravelly soils impart a pronounced minerality, while the 2021 vintage bursts with flavors of lemon zest and green apple, making it an excellent choice for warm days.
Perfect for pairing with seafood ceviche, fresh salads, or light goat cheese appetizers, it is priced at NZ$40 (approximately $27 USD) and is featured in subscription boxes like Kiwi Wines Club and WineSelect.
5. Carneros Estate Chardonnay (Carneros, USA)
Hailing from California’s Carneros region, known for its foggy mornings and volcanic soils, this chardonnay is well balanced and full of ripe apple and melon flavors. The 2018 vintage carries a subtle note of toasted oak and displays a light oaking process that brings smooth vibrancy to the wine.
It complements dishes such as grilled shrimp, avocado salad, or a light pasta dish. With a retail price of $35, it can be found through subscription services including Vines & Co and Wine Access.
6. Casablanca Valley Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley, Chile)
Originating from Chile’s Casablanca Valley, this wine benefits from the cool maritime influence and a unique mix of coastal and inland soils. The 2019 vintage reveals flavors of pear and white peach, finishing with a slight herbaceous undertone. Made in an unoaked style, the wine lets its pure fruit character shine through.
Great for pairing with grilled chicken, light cheeses, or fresh salads, it is priced at CLP 20,000 (around $28 USD) and is featured on platforms like Chilean Wine Club and Sip & Savor.
7. Venetian Chardonnay (Veneto, Italy)
This wine from Italy’s Veneto region reflects the warm climate and calcareous soils of the area. The 2020 vintage offers ripe tropical fruit flavors intertwined with subtle almond hints and a touch of oak that adds mild complexity. Partially oaked, it strikes a balance between refreshing acidity and a creamy texture.
It is a great match for pasta in cream sauces, risotto, and lighter cheeses. Priced at €22 (approximately $26 USD), Venetian Chardonnay is available through subscription boxes such as Wine Access and Italian Vineyards Club.
8. Stellenbosch Select Chardonnay (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
From South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, this wine benefits from a Mediterranean climate and rich granite soils. The 2018 vintage blends mango and citrus notes with a touch of creaminess accompanied by light oak. The oaked style carefully balances fruit intensity with structure.
It is best enjoyed with spicy seafood stews, soft cheeses, or dishes featuring aromatic herbs. Priced at ZAR 300 (around $20 USD), it is offered on subscription services such as Cape Cellars and Wine Select.
9. Mendoza Valley Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina)
High-altitude vineyards in Mendoza influence the 2021 vintage, with sunny days and rocky terrain boosting bright acidity. This lightweight, unoaked chardonnay offers gentle nuances of peach and apricot along with a delicate balance that makes it both accessible and refreshing.
Ideal for pairing with grilled vegetables, chicken salad, or lightly spiced dishes, it is priced at ARS 3000 (approximately $20 USD) and appears on subscription platforms like Argentinian Wine Club and Sip & Savor.
10. Baden Winter Chardonnay (Baden, Germany)
This German chardonnay from the Baden region benefits from a cool climate and slate-rich soils. The 2019 vintage delivers flavors of green apple and lemon drop with a hint of minerality. Crafted in an unoaked style, it offers a crisp and well-structured profile.
It pairs well with delicate fish fillets, mild cheeses, and light vegetable dishes. Offered at €18 (around $21 USD), Baden Winter Chardonnay is featured by subscription services such as Euro Wines Box and Wine Select.
Final Thoughts
These chardonnay wines demonstrates how varied these selections can be. Each wine reflects its local terroir, offering unique aromas and flavors suited to different palates and occasions. Whether your preference leans toward the creamy character of an oaked style or the crisp clarity of an unoaked wine, there is an option on this list that is sure to satisfy.
For anyone looking to expand their wine collection, these choices are featured on various subscription services that consistently introduce new selections. If you enjoy a mix of flavor profiles and diverse regional influences, these Chardonnay options deserve a spot on your wine rack.
Additionally, each wine selection provides a window into the unique winemaking traditions of its region. Sampling these offerings not only expands your palate but also provides an engaging cultural ride through the world of wine. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or new to exploring wines, this guide offers insights to help you pick your next bottle with confidence and excitement.
-Another great post about wine; perfect, 🙂
-I like how all 10 Chardonnay wines are listed, each with their own flavor profiles and subtleties. There are a couple of them from USA but for the most part, each one comes from its own part of the world which is a spectacular thing.
-It’s pretty obvious that since they are all from different parts of the world, different flavors are more popular depending on where it’s from.
-I think that #1 might be my actual favorite, but with that said, it also just depends on the day and/or the meal, so it could go a few different ways here, IMO.
-Again, great article and I can’t wait to come across another wine one.
-Best,
ALEJANDRO G.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give this post a lovely comment.