After being cancelled in the ’90s, bold, rich chardonnay is back – with more balance and less butter bomb.
Before we give you a cheeky chardonnay history lesson, it’s worth mentioning this variety can be found in every global winemaking region, and is the fifth most planted grape – there’s around 198,000 hectares planted around the world, so yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.
A big, buttery chardonnay wasn’t just acceptable in the ’80s, it was practically all anyone drank. These styles were typically made in California, but Australian producers also nailed these rich, golden wines at the time. ‘A glass of chardonnay, thanks’ was the order of the day – it offered aroma, colour and flavours that were not only recognisable but also easy to drink. Chardy during this era was really designed to get the masses drinking wine – even if you weren’t the biggest wine fan, it was approachable and enjoyable. With so many people drinking it, chardonnay production became seriously big business; huge multinational wine conglomerates flooded the market with affordable bottles.
How long a chardonnay is aged for and what it’s aged in also contribute to its degree of butteriness in both flavour and texture. Vessels made of oak can lead to richer flavours like vanilla and spices, while stainless steel or concrete tanks can help preserve the fresh, lean and crisp flavours in some chardonnay grapes – a clear contrast to the richer styles associated with the varietal.
Nine buttery yet balanced chardonnays we’re loving
1. Woodbridge Chardonnay
Peach and toasty tropical flavours are at the core of this clean and crisp yet buttery Californian chardonnay, which is made for pairing with hearty dishes.
2. The Butchers Friend Buttery Chardonnay
With the key descriptor in this wine’s name, you know you’re in for a rich treat here. This classic Barossa chardy is creamy and generous, with peach, melon and nectarine flavours.
3. Locatour Chardonnay
A recent arrival from California (it landed in Australia in Jan), this is silky smooth, full bodied and rich with toasty flavours that you’ll really want to savour and enjoy.
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4. Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Chardonnay
Unashamedly full-bodied, this chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay in NZ has bright aromas, citrus flavours and spicy oak notes, which all balance out the creamy, nutty palate.
5. Domaine Astruc Aoc Chardonnay
All the way from Limoux in France, this is bright gold in colour, with rich hazelnut and cashew notes from its time in oak, and a crisp acidity keeps all that fullness in check.
6. Evans & Tate Butterball Chardonnay
From Margaret River, this chardy has bold flavours and a lingering finish, but it remains in total harmony from the first to the last sip thanks to toasty notes adding complexity.
7. Elephant in the Room Buttery Chardonnay
With ripe melon and stone fruit flavours, and soft butter and toast characters, this creamy chardy is the perfect pick for those who love riper wine styles. A white wine for the red-wine lover, perhaps.
8. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Buttery Chardonnay
Another one that does what it says on the tin (or label), this creamy Californian classic has rich flavours of apple and white peach. A dream with carbonara, roast chicken and even grilled salmon.
9. La Crema Monterey Chardonnay
Enjoy this while you watch an episode or two of Big Little Lies (Monterey, get it?). Tropical flavours shine in this dry, medium-bodied chardy with minerality on the palate.
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