Welcome, wine enthusiasts! Today, we raise our glasses to one of the most beloved and versatile wines in the world: Chardonnay. Celebrated on the Thursday before Memorial Day, International Chardonnay Day is a perfect occasion to delve into the rich history, diverse flavors, and global appeal of this magnificent white wine.

The History of Chardonnay

Chardonnay’s roots trace back to the Burgundy region of France, where it has been cultivated since at least the early Middle Ages. The grape takes its name from a small village in this renowned wine-producing area. Over the centuries, Chardonnay has traveled far from its French origins, finding new homes and expressions in vineyards across the globe.

The Versatility of Chardonnay

One of the reasons Chardonnay is so cherished is its incredible versatility. This adaptable grape can produce a wide range of styles, from crisp and refreshing to rich and buttery, depending on where it is grown and how it is vinified.

Cool Climate Chardonnay: In regions like Chablis in France or the coastal areas of California, Chardonnay tends to produce wines that are lean, with high acidity and minerality. These wines often exhibit flavors of green apple, citrus, and pear.

Warm Climate Chardonnay: In warmer areas such as Australia, parts of California, and South Africa, Chardonnay can develop fuller body and richer flavors, with notes of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.

Oaked vs. Unoaked: The aging process also significantly impacts Chardonnay’s flavor profile. Oak-aged Chardonnays are known for their creamy texture and flavors of vanilla, butter, and toast. In contrast, unoaked Chardonnays offer a purer expression of the grape, with more pronounced fruit and mineral characteristics.

Celebrating International Chardonnay Day

Whether you’re a long-time Chardonnay lover or just beginning your exploration of this delightful wine, International Chardonnay Day is a fantastic opportunity to expand your palate. Here are a few ways to celebrate:

Host a Tasting Party: Gather a selection of Chardonnays from different regions and styles. Invite friends over for a tasting party, where you can compare and contrast the various expressions of this versatile grape.

Visit a Winery: Come and visit Lomond Wines and try our Blanc de Blanc 2019 Vintage: We used Chardonnay grapes from our partner farm in Robertson to create this delightful MCC. This vineyard was carefully chosen as it consistently delivers fruit of exceptional quality. We use the traditional méthode champenoise method and this Cap Classique is aged sur lees for a minimum of 24 months before being riddled and degorged. Bright, golden sun-kissed straw. Intense aromas of white fruit, almond nuts and hints of minerality. Ultra fine mousse, showing hints of brioche and freshness that gives the wine a lingering aftertaste.

Cook a Chardonnay-Inspired Meal: Plan a meal around dishes that pair well with Chardonnay. Experiment with recipes that highlight the wine’s complementary flavors and enjoy the culinary adventure.

A Toast to Chardonnay

On this International Chardonnay Day, let’s celebrate the diversity and elegance of Chardonnay. Whether you prefer it crisp and clean or rich and oaky, there’s a Chardonnay out there for everyone. Raise a glass and toast to this queen of white wines, honoring its storied past and its bright future.

Shop from Lomond’s exclusive Chardonnay selection, join our wine club, and subscribe to our newsletter for first-hand access to our latest wine specials.🍷🍇

Cheers!