Chardonnay, often hailed as the "queen of white grapes," has a storied history and a remarkable ability to express its terroir in diverse regions around the world. From its origins in Burgundy to its widespread cultivation across continents, Chardonnay's journey has shaped a spectrum of styles and flavours.

Originating in Burgundy, France, Chardonnay has been cultivated for centuries, with evidence of its existence dating back to the Middle Ages. Burgundy remains the benchmark for Chardonnay, producing wines revered for their finesse, minerality, and nuanced expression of terroir. Here, the grape thrives in limestone-rich soils and a continental climate, yielding wines with delicate fruit flavours, vibrant acidity, and subtle notes of hazelnut and flint. Oak handling in Burgundy ranges from the rich, whites of Meursault to the bright, citrus dominant wines of Chablis. 

Outside of Burgundy, Chardonnay has flourished in regions across the globe, each offering its own interpretation of this versatile grape. In California's Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Chardonnay achieves full ripeness, resulting in wines with ripe tropical fruit flavours, rich texture, and a creamy mouthfeel. The warm, sunny climate and diverse range of soils contribute to the opulent style for which California Chardonnay is renowned.

Moving to Australia, regions like Margaret River in Western Australia and the Yarra Valley in Victoria have gained acclaim for their exceptional Chardonnay. Here, the maritime influence moderates temperatures, allowing for slow, even ripening and retention of acidity. Australian Chardonnays often exhibit ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours, balanced by crisp acidity and a hint of minerality, reflecting the influence of the ocean and ancient soils.

In Chile's Casablanca Valley and New Zealand's Marlborough region, Chardonnay thrives in cooler climates, producing wines with bright acidity, vibrant fruit flavours, and pronounced minerality. These regions offer a fresh, fruit-forward style of Chardonnay with citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit notes, underscored by a crisp, refreshing finish.

Check out some of our favourite examples of Chardonnay from around the world.