Chardonnay

Do you love drinking Chardonnay? Do you automatically assume that because of the name the wine you're drinking must be French? The truth is that Chardonnay is not only hugely popular, but also hugely ubiquitous in vineyards the world over.

Traditional Chardonnay stems from the region of Burgundy in France. Here it has a steely and fresh taste that can be substantially different when compared to other wines made from this grape. For instance, if you travel further to the south of France, that steeliness gives way to a much more mellow flavour. Some would even describe the taste as buttery, or oaky.

That oakiness is perhaps most prevalent in the Chardonnay grown all over California. In fact, not only is the wine made in such great quantities (with many examples being over-oaked and of generally inferior quality) that there is even a group known as the ABC Movement - standing for "Anything But Chardonnay". Nevertheless, we mustn't give the impression that all Californian Chardonnay is bad. On the contrary, both the Napa and Sonoma Valley produce highly sought-after examples of the wine.

For instance, the 2009 Ryo-Fu has been noted as having "lemon, light floral honey, French oak and spices." You can buy wine online such as this example and many other quality chardonnay and have it shipped direct to your door.