A green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced. It is suited to a wide variety of soils, although it excels in soils with a high limestone content as found in Champagne, Chablis and the Côte D`Or. It is quantitatively important in California and Australia, is widely planted in Chile and South Africa, and is now the most widely planted grape in New Zealand.

It is a very versatile wine grape: its flavour and aromas are easily influenced by where it is grown and how it is made. Fruit flavours range from apple and lime in cooler climates to tropical fruits, especially pineapple, in warmer places. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals.

Chardonnay wine is typically dry, with medium acidity, and is generally full-bodied. When barrelled in oak, it takes on a richness characterised by honey and butter flavours. When barrelled in stainless steel, it often retains more mineral flavours and comes across as fresher on the palate. Chardonnay can also produce delicate sparkling wines (such as a Blanc de Blancs Champagne, which is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes) and even a few extremely successful sweet white wines made with the benefit of 'noble rot'.

Chardonnay excels in Burgundy and the best White Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault and Corton-Charlemagne are some of the most famous areas, but the name of the producer is often more important than that of the appellation.

Chardonnay plays a crucial role in the Champagne blend, providing structure and finesse. Cool coastal areas of California also produce excellent Chardonnay. The grape has shown a certain amount of promise in Chile, where the produce of cool Casablanca can blend well with riper Maipo fruit.

Chardonnay is a favourite with seafood. Minerally versions, like those from Chablis, pair particularly well with oysters.