Buy Chardonnay Wine Online - Premium Chardonnay White Wines at Mr D Wine

Chardonnay is the white wine everybody knows. It started centuries ago in France, and today you’ll find it almost everywhere in France, California, Australia, Chile, you name it.

What makes Chardonnay wines so loved is their personality: some are light and crisp like a green apple, others are smooth and buttery, like melted vanilla on toast. The best part? With just one Chardonnay grape, you can travel the world in a glass. A Burgundy Chardonnay might taste sharp and mineral, while a Californian Chardonnay feels round, creamy, and bold.

At Mr D Wine, we handpick bottles for every mood and moment. Want a good Chardonnay under $30 for weeknight pasta? Done.Looking for a top-rated Chardonnay wine for a celebration? We’ve got you covered.

And if you’re curious about the best buttery Chardonnay out there, we’ll make sure it finds its way to your doorstep with nationwide delivery.

Best-selling Chardonnay Wines at Mr D Wine

Chardonnay is still king at Mr D Wine. What makes it exciting is how the same grape can tell totally different stories depending on where it’s grown. Some bottles taste fresh and citrusy, others are creamy and rich; you just have to find the style that speaks to you.

Here’s a look at our top-selling Chardonnay wines, from iconic French Grand Crus to modern New World standouts. These are the bottles everyone is talking about:

Wine (Vintage)	Region / Appellation	Style & Tasting Notes	Avg. Price	Aging Potential
Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2023	Santa Cruz Mountains, USA	Bright citrus, green apple, layered oak, elegant minerality	$75–$85	7–10 years
Marchesi Antinori Cervaro della Sala 2016	Umbria IGT, Italy	Rich and complex, with pear, hazelnut, honey, and a silky texture	$140–$160	12–15 years
Domaine Laroche Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru 2022	Chablis, France	Razor-sharp acidity, chalky minerality, lemon zest, long finish	$180–$200	15+ years
Jean-Claude Ramonet Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2021	Côte de Beaune, France	Intense and powerful; layers of stone fruit, hazelnut, butter, and spice	$850–$950	20+ years
Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2023	Tasmania, Australia	Vibrant acidity with notes of grapefruit, white peach, and subtle oak	$95–$110	8–12 years

What Is Chardonnay Wine?

Chardonnay is the world’s favorite white wine. Born in Burgundy, France, it has become the most widely planted white grape on earth because it adapts like a chameleon. In cool climates, it’s lean, citrusy, and mineral. In sunny places (like California), it turns golden, creamy, and buttery.

That’s why it remains the top-selling white varietal in the U.S. There’s truly a style for everyone, whether you’re after an easy weeknight pour or a collectible Grand Cru.

Quick Definition

Chardonnay is a white wine made from the Chardonnay grape, a green-skinned varietal with roots in Burgundy. Its magic lies in diversity:

• Unoaked Chardonnay: Crisp and refreshing, with lemon, green apple, and mineral notes.

• Oaked Chardonnay: Rich and creamy, with flavors of vanilla, butter, and tropical fruit.

Chardonnay Facts

Attribute	Details (2025)
Origin	Burgundy, France
Grape Type	Chardonnay (green-skinned)
Global Vineyard Area	~210,000 hectares (OIV 2024)
Top Producing Countries	France, USA, Australia, Chile, South Africa
Common Styles	Unoaked (crisp, citrusy), Oaked (buttery, tropical), Sparkling (Champagne, Crémant)
Alcohol Range	12% – 14.5% ABV
Aging Potential	Unoaked: 2–4 years; Premium Oaked: 10–20 years
Market Share (U.S.)	~17–18% of white wine sales
Food Pairings	Shellfish, roast chicken, creamy pasta, lobster, aged cheese

Chardonnay Origins & History

Where does Chardonnay come from? The story begins in Burgundy, France. First planted in the Middle Ages, this grape quickly proved its strength: it can adapt to cool limestone soils or sunny valleys, always expressing something unique.

That adaptability is why, in 2025, Chardonnay is the most planted white wine grape in the world, grown in over 40 countries.

The Origin of Chardonnay in Burgundy

• Name & roots: Likely named after the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais.

• History: Written records date back centuries, showing its deep legacy.

• Spiritual home: Burgundy still sets the global standard, with world-famous wines from Chablis, Côte de Beaune, and Mâconnais.

• Why it matters: Limestone soils, cool climate, and tradition create elegant, age-worthy bottles.

Expansion Across the World

Chardonnay didn’t stay in France for long. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it had traveled the globe:

• California: Became the signature white grape of Napa and Sonoma.

• Australia, South America, South Africa: Quickly embraced thanks to its versatility.

• Champagne: A cornerstone grape, adding freshness and finesse to blends and shining solo in Blanc de Blancs.

• Today, over 210,000 hectares worldwide (OIV, 2024) are planted with Chardonnay.

How Is Chardonnay Made?

Chardonnay is often called a “winemaker’s grape” because it’s so flexible. The same fruit can become a crisp, mineral wine or a rich, buttery one; it all depends on the choices made in the cellar. From the vineyard to the bottle, every step shapes what ends up in your glass.

Harvest & Fermentation

• Harvest: Grapes in cooler regions (like Chablis) are picked earlier, keeping the wine high in acidity and freshness. In warmer places (like California), growers let them ripen longer for bolder, fuller flavors.

• Skin Contact: Since Chardonnay is a white grape, there’s usually little to no skin contact. Some winemakers experiment with brief contact to add texture.

• Fermentation: Two main paths:

  • Stainless steel tanks → clean, crisp, fruit-forward.

  • Oak barrels → layered, rich, and often spiced with vanilla. Winemakers may also choose wild yeasts (for complexity) or cultured yeasts (for consistency).

Oak vs. Stainless Steel Aging

• Oak Aging:

  • Common in Burgundy, California, and Australia.

  • Brings flavors of vanilla, toast, and caramel.

  • French oak = subtle and elegant. American oak = bolder, sweeter notes.

  • Adds roundness and weight to the wine.
    

• Stainless Steel Aging:

  • Keeps wines crisp and pure.

  • Highlights citrus, green apple, and minerality.

  • Classic in Chablis and coastal Chilean Chardonnays.

Chardonnay Production Styles Summary Table

Style	Technique	Flavor Notes	Example (Available at Mr D Wine)
Oaked	Barrel aging (French or American)	Vanilla, toast, tropical fruit	Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2023 (Santa Cruz Mountains, USA)
Unoaked	Stainless steel fermentation & aging	Lemon, green apple, chalky minerality	Domaine Laroche Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru 2022 (France)
Buttery	Malolactic fermentation + oak	Cream, butter, hazelnut, brioche	Rhys Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, California, USA 2019
Elegant Italian	Barrel fermentation & aging	Pear, honey, hazelnut, silky texture	Antinori Cervaro della Sala 2016 (Umbria, Italy)

Chardonnay Characteristics & Flavor Profile

Why is Chardonnay so popular? Because it doesn’t lock into just one flavor. It can be sharp and citrusy or rich, creamy, and buttery. Think of it as the “shape-shifter” of the wine world: always recognizable, never boring.

Dry Chardonnay

• Most Chardonnays are dry, with little to no sweetness.

• Taste: Bright acidity, lemon, lime, green apple, and a crisp mineral edge.

• Examples: Chablis (France), Oregon Chardonnay, Chile’s Casablanca Valley.

• Best with: Shellfish, sushi, fresh salads, or tangy goat cheese.

Sweet Chardonnay

• Rare, made from late-harvest grapes or noble rot (botrytis).

• Taste: Honey, apricot, tropical fruit, with a dessert-like richness.

• Examples: Late-harvest California wines, Canadian ice wine, rare French bottlings.

• Best with: Fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or bold blue cheeses.

Buttery Chardonnay

• Created through oak aging and malolactic fermentation.

• Taste: Creamy, full-bodied, with flavors of vanilla, butter, brioche, hazelnut, and ripe tropical fruit.

• Examples: Napa Valley classics like Rombauer Chardonnay, or Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.

• Best with: Lobster in butter, roast chicken, creamy pasta, or pork tenderloin.

Chardonnay Flavor Profile Summary Table

Style	Acidity	Body	Key Flavors	Typical Regions / Examples
Dry	High	Light–Medium	Lemon, lime, green apple, minerality	Chablis (France), Oregon
Sweet	Medium	Medium–Full	Honey, apricot, tropical fruit	Late-harvest California, Canadian ice wine
Buttery	Medium	Full	Butter, vanilla, brioche, hazelnut	Napa Valley (Rombauer, Cakebread)

Chardonnay by Region: Style, Flavor & Price at a Glance

Few grapes travel the world as successfully as Chardonnay. No matter where it’s planted, it keeps its identity while reflecting its home soil and climate.

You’ll find everything from razor-sharp Chablis to rich, buttery California Chardonnays, and crisp, affordable options from Chile and Argentina.

Region	Style Notes	Price Range	Food Pairings
Burgundy	Crisp, mineral, age-worthy (Chablis, Grand Cru)	$$$–$$$$	Oysters, shellfish, goat cheese
California	Buttery, full-bodied, tropical fruit, and oak	$$–$$$$	Creamy pasta, roast chicken, lobster
Washington	Balanced acidity, stone fruit, subtle oak	$$–$$$	Pork tenderloin, salmon
Australia/NZ	Vibrant, citrus, tropical, often unoaked	$$–$$$	Sushi, salads, grilled fish
Chile/Argentina	Affordable, fruit-forward, coastal minerality	$–$$	Casual dining, ceviche, empanadas

Oaked vs Unoaked Chardonnay – What’s the Difference?

When people talk about Chardonnay taste, one of the biggest questions is: oaked or unoaked? These two styles can feel like completely different wines, one creamy and rich, the other crisp and refreshing.

Style	What It Means	Flavor & Texture	Best For	Classic Examples
Oaked	Aged in oak barrels (usually French or American)	Creamy mouthfeel, hints of vanilla, butter, toast	Roast chicken, lobster, fancy dinners	Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2018
Unoaked	Aged in stainless steel or neutral tanks	Crisp, bright, fruity, with a mineral edge	Seafood, salads, light & fresh occasions	William Fèvre Chablis Burgundy 2022

Oaked Chardonnay: Aged in barrels (usually French or American oak). This adds flavors of butter, vanilla, toast, and spice. The wine feels creamier, rounder, and fuller in body. It’s the classic style you’ll find in many California Chardonnays or high-end Burgundy from Côte de Beaune.

Unoaked Chardonnay: Aged in stainless steel or neutral tanks. This keeps the wine fresh, bright, and true to the grape itself. Expect lemon, green apple, and minerality. It’s lighter, zippier, and perfect if you prefer clean, refreshing whites.

Popular Chardonnay Brands to Try

Whether you're looking for a crisp weeknight white or a cellar-worthy icon, Chardonnay delivers at every level. Here’s a curated look at the most popular Chardonnay brands from buttery Napa classics to mineral-rich French gems, so you can shop with confidence.

Top-Rated Chardonnay for Collectors & Special Occasions

These are prestige picks built to age, highly rated, and beloved by collectors around the world.

Wine	Region	Why It Matters
Jean-Claude Ramonet Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2021	Burgundy, France	One of the most coveted white wines globally is layered, structured, and long-lived.
Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2023	Santa Cruz Mountains, USA	Minerality meets elegant oak in this benchmark California Chardonnay.
Marchesi Antinori Cervaro della Sala 2016	Umbria, Italy	Italy’s iconic Chardonnay blend has depth, finesse, and aging potential.

Best Everyday Chardonnay Wines

Looking for value without compromise? These crowd-pleasers are easy to enjoy and perfect for casual sipping or pairing with dinner.

Wine	Region	What to Expect
Pavette Chardonnay 2023	California, USA	Fresh, fruit-forward, and lightly oaked, a no-fuss favorite.
BloodRoot Chardonnay 2021	Sonoma Coast, USA	Coastal brightness with a creamy edge. Great versatility.
Domaine Louis Moreau Vau Ligneau 2022	Chablis, France	Classic unoaked Chardonnay mineral, zesty, and food-friendly.

Buttery Chardonnay Wines You’ll Love

These are oaked, creamy, and rich, ideal for lobster, roast chicken, or when you want a white with red-wine weight.

Wine	Region	Style Profile
Cakebread Cellars Reserve Chardonnay 2022	Carneros, USA	Creamy texture, vanilla, almond, and lemon curd.
De Morgenzon DMZ Chardonnay 2021	Stellenbosch, South Africa	Peach, tropical fruit, and toasted oak are round and lush.

Chardonnay Food Pairings

One reason Chardonnay is so beloved is its flexibility at the table. From crisp, unoaked bottles to rich, buttery icons, it can match light seafood just as well as creamy pastas or roasted chicken. Here’s your go-to pairing guide:

Food	Dish	Best Chardonnay Style	Why It Works
Seafood	Lobster with butter	Oaked, creamy (Napa, Sonoma)	The wine’s buttery texture matches the richness of the sauce.
	Fresh oysters	Unoaked, crisp (Chablis, Chile)	Bright acidity highlights the briny freshness.
Poultry	Roast chicken	Lightly oaked	Freshness cuts through the fat, and oak adds depth.
Pasta & Cheese	Creamy pasta or Brie	Buttery (California)	Creamy + creamy = a perfect match.
Vegetarian	Mushroom risotto	Medium-bodied	Smooth texture pairs with earthy flavors.

Chardonnay Health & Nutrition Facts

Chardonnay has calories, sugar, and alcohol just like any wine. The good news? Most styles are low in sugar, and a glass in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle.

• Dry Chardonnay: ~0–1 g sugar, lighter in calories.

• Oaked/Buttery Chardonnay: ~1–2 g sugar, richer and fuller.

• Sweet/Late Harvest Chardonnay: 3–4 g+ sugar, usually dessert wines.

Chardonnay also provides antioxidants and, when enjoyed in moderation, may support heart health. Compared to cocktails or soda, it’s often a lower-sugar, lower-carb choice.

Chardonnay Prices - From Everyday to Collectible

One of the joys of Chardonnay is that it can be as easygoing as a weeknight dinner wine or as serious as a cellar-worthy treasure. Unlike some grapes that live in a single price lane, Chardonnay stretches across every budget without losing its charm.

You’ll find crisp, unoaked bottles under $20 that refresh like a squeeze of lemon, balanced mid-range picks that deliver both fruit and finesse, and luxurious Grand Crus or single-vineyard gems that collectors chase for their depth and longevity.

Here’s how to navigate the shelves, whether you’re hunting for an affordable gem or a luxury showpiece.

Affordable Chardonnay Picks

Category	Price Range	Example	Style & Notes
Budget	Under $20	Pavette Chardonnay 2023 (California)	Fresh, unoaked, fruit-forward an everyday white with plenty of charm.
Best Value	$20–30	De Morgenzon DMZ Chardonnay 2021 (South Africa)	Tropical fruit and citrus are lifted by just enough creamy oak for balance.
Mid-Range	$30–50	Martin Woods Koosah Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 (Eola-Amity Hills, USA)	Elegant, mineral-driven, with flinty edges and stone fruit precision.

Luxury & Collectible Chardonnay Picks

Category	Price Range	Example	Style & Notes
Premium	$50–100	Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2023 (Santa Cruz Mountains, USA)	Layered citrus, minerality, and refined oak, classic California elegance.
Collectible	$100+	EnRoute Brumaire Chardonnay 2022 (Russian River Valley, USA)	Key lime pie meets a creamy texture, lifted by subtle oak. A bottle built to impress.

Is Chardonnay Used in Champagne?

Yes. Chardonnay is one of the three main grapes in Champagne, together with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. What makes Chardonnay special is its fresh citrus flavor, crisp acidity, and the way it ages into something richer and more complex. That’s why so many famous Champagne houses rely on it.

Chardonnay in Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Blanc de Blancs means “white from white grapes,” and in Champagne it’s almost always 100% Chardonnay. These wines taste bright and zesty, with notes of lemon and green apple. As they age, they become creamier, with flavors like brioche, almond, and honey. The best examples come from the Côte des Blancs, a region known for its chalky soils that give the wine a clean, mineral edge.

Chardonnay’s Role in Champagne Blends

Most Champagnes are a mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each grape has a job: Chardonnay brings freshness and elegance, Pinot Noir adds structure and power, and Pinot Meunier gives fruitiness and softness. When combined, they create the balance that makes Champagne so unique. That’s why houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot often highlight Chardonnay in their blends.

Why Buy Chardonnay Wine from Mr D Wine?

Picking the right bottle of Chardonnay is only half the story where you buy it matters too. At Mr D Wine, every label is carefully chosen, stored, and shipped so you can sip with confidence. Here’s why shopping with us makes a difference in 2025:

Curated Selection by Experts

• Every wine is hand-picked by sommeliers and specialists who know Burgundy, California, and beyond.

• Our collection blends famous names (Kendall-Jackson, Domaine Leflaive, Kistler) with hidden gems from boutique producers.

• We update regularly based on vintage reports and critic scores, so you always see what’s best right now.

Authentic Provenance & Rare Bottles

• Direct sourcing from wineries and trusted importers means every bottle is authentic and perfectly stored.

• Access to rare Chardonnays from Grand Cru Burgundy to single-vineyard Napa and Margaret River icons.

• Full transparency: we verify origin, storage, and shipping practices.
  

Nationwide Delivery & Trust Guarantee

• Temperature-controlled shipping keeps your Chardonnay safe from heat or cold.

• Every order is backed by our quality guarantee bottles are inspected before leaving our cellar.

• Reliable delivery across the U.S., whether you’re a collector, a business, or simply shopping for a casual weeknight wine.

FAQs

Is Chardonnay a white wine or a red wine?

Chardonnay is a white wine made from green-skinned Chardonnay grapes. It is never red though in Champagne it’s often blended with red grapes like Pinot Noir.

What does Chardonnay taste like?

Chardonnay can be crisp and citrusy (unoaked) or rich and buttery (oaked). Expect flavors like lemon, apple, pear, mineral notes, vanilla, caramel, or tropical fruit, depending on the style.

Is Chardonnay sweet or dry?

Most Chardonnays are dry, with little to no sugar. Sweet versions are rare and usually made as dessert wines.

What is the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay?

Oaked Chardonnay tastes creamy and warm, while unoaked Chardonnay is fresh and citrusy.

Where is Chardonnay grown?

Chardonnay is grown worldwide from Burgundy (France) to California, Oregon, Australia, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. Over 210,000 hectares are planted globally.

What are the characteristics of Chardonnay wine?

Chardonnay is versatile. It can be light or full-bodied, unoaked or heavily oaked. Common flavors: citrus, apple, butter, vanilla, mineral. Typical ABV: 12%–14.5%.

How many calories are in a glass of Chardonnay?

A standard 5 oz glass has about 120–150 calories, depending on alcohol and sugar levels.

What are some popular Chardonnay brands?

Popular everyday Chardonnay brands include Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, and Bread & Butter. For premium options, well-known names are Domaine Leflaive from Burgundy, Kistler from California, and Antinori from Italy.

What foods pair well with Chardonnay?

Unoaked Chardonnay pairs best with oysters, sushi, and light salads. Oaked Chardonnay complements roast chicken, creamy pasta, and lobster. Sweet Chardonnay matches fruit desserts, crème brûlée, and foie gras.

What is the butteriest Chardonnay?

Rombauer Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is the classic buttery style, creamy, vanilla-driven, with hints of hazelnut.

Is Chardonnay used in Champagne?

Yes. Chardonnay is one of the three main Champagne grapes. It makes up Blanc de Blancs Champagnes and brings freshness and elegance to blends.