Chardonnay Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Chardonnay is the world's most famous white grape, born in Burgundy, where it produces legendary wines from Chablis to Meursault and Montrachet, and an essential grape of Champagne.
Learn more about Chardonnay
History & origins
Chardonnay takes its name from the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais. DNA research in 1999 revealed it is a natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc. Cistercian monks helped establish it in Burgundy during the Middle Ages, and by the 20th century it had spread worldwide thanks to its adaptability and its affinity with oak aging.
French regions & appellations
Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Mâcon-Villages; Champagne (Blanc de Blancs); Jura, Crémant de Bourgogne and IGP Pays d'Oc.
Taste profile
Chablis shows lemon, green apple and oyster-shell minerality; Côte de Beaune adds butter, hazelnut, brioche and vanilla from oak; Mâconnais is rounder with yellow apple and pear.
Food pairing
Oysters (Chablis), lobster, crab, scallops, roast chicken, veal in cream, mushroom risotto, Comté and Gruyère.