Stel + Mar Chardonnay

Discover Chardonnay Wines

Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety with green skin that is utilized in the manufacture of white wine. The grape variety was developed in the Burgundy wine area of eastern France, but it is now planted all over the world, from England to New Zealand, where wine is made. Growing Chardonnay is seen as a "rite of passage" and an easy way to get into the worldwide wine market for new and expanding wine areas.

The Chardonnay grape itself is flavorless, with many of the notes that are popularly associated with the wine acquired from factors such as terroir and oak aging. It is vinified in a variety of styles, ranging from the lean, crisply mineral wines of Chablis, France, to the oaky, tropical fruit-flavored wines of the New World. With a medium to light body, prominent acidity, and flavors of green plum, apple, and pear, Chardonnay wines produced in chilly regions (such as Chablis and the Carneros AVA of California) tend to be medium to light in body with obvious acidity and notes of green plum, apple, and pear. Temperature-dependent flavors (such as those found in the Adelaide Hills and Mornington Peninsula in Australia, as well as the Gisborne and Marlborough region of New Zealand) become more prominent in warmer climates, while in extremely warm climates (such as the Central Coast AVA of California), fig and tropical fruit notes such as banana and mango become more prominent. Wines that have undergone malolactic fermentation feature softer acidity and fruit aromas, as well as a buttery texture and hints of hazelnut.

Chardonnay is a key component of numerous sparkling wines across the world, notably Champagne and Franciacorta in Italy, which are both made from the grape.

The popularity of Chardonnay reached its zenith in the late 1980s, only to be followed by a backlash among wine aficionados who considered the grape as a major negative component of the globalization of wine. With 210,000 hectares (520,000 acres) of land under cultivation globally, it is the second most extensively planted white wine grape variety after Airén, and the fifth most extensively planted of all wine grape kinds.

Chardonnay is a versatile grape that can be used to produce practically every type of wine, from dry still wines to sparkling wines to sweet late harvest wines and even botrytized wines (though its susceptibility to other less favorable rot makes these wines rarer). The usage of malolactic fermentation and the amount of oak influence utilized in the production of a Chardonnay wine are the two winemaking decisions that have the most impact on the ultimate outcome of a Chardonnay wine. Malolactic fermentation (also known as MLF) occurs when the harsher malic acid is changed into the softer lactic acid and diacetyl, which results in the characteristic ""buttery-ness"" associated with particular Chardonnay varietals. The wines that do not go through MLF will have more green (unripe) apple tastes than those that do go through MLF. Oak can be incorporated during the fermentation process or after the fermentation process in the form of barrel aging. Depending on the quantity of charring that was applied to the wood, this might impart a "tastiness" and tastes to the wine that many wine consumers mistake for characteristics of the grape variety itself. Caramel, cream, smoke, spice, coconut, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla are just a few of the tastes that may be found.

Discover White Wine Wines

White wine is a popular alcoholic beverage that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is made from the fermentation of white grapes, which are typically grown in cooler climates. White wine is known for its light and refreshing taste, making it a popular choice for social gatherings and meals. There are many different varieties of white wine, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.

One of the most popular varieties of white wine is Chardonnay. This wine is made from the Chardonnay grape and is known for its rich, buttery flavor. Chardonnay is typically aged in oak barrels, which gives it a distinct flavor and aroma. Some famous brands of Chardonnay include Kendall-Jackson, Beringer, and Robert Mondavi.

Sauvignon Blanc is another popular variety of white wine. This wine is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape and is known for its crisp, refreshing taste. Sauvignon Blanc is typically grown in cooler climates, such as New Zealand and France. Some famous brands of Sauvignon Blanc include Cloudy Bay, Kim Crawford, and Oyster Bay.

Riesling is a white wine that is known for its sweet, fruity taste. This wine is made from the Riesling grape and is typically grown in Germany and Austria. Riesling is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, including spicy dishes and desserts. Some famous brands of Riesling include Dr. Loosen, Schloss Johannisberg, and Egon Müller.

Pino Grigio is a white wine that is known for its light, crisp taste. This wine is made from the Pinot Grigio grape and is typically grown in Italy. Pino Grigio is a popular choice for summer gatherings and is often paired with seafood dishes. Some famous brands of Pino Grigio include Santa Margherita, Bolla, and Cavit.

Moscato is a sweet white wine that is known for its fruity taste. This wine is made from the Muscat grape and is typically grown in Italy. Moscato is a popular choice for dessert and is often paired with fruit or chocolate. Some famous brands of Moscato include Barefoot, Yellow Tail, and Sutter Home.

Chenin Blanc is a white wine that is known for its dry, crisp taste. This wine is made from the Chenin Blanc grape and is typically grown in South Africa and France. Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, including seafood and poultry dishes. Some famous brands of Chenin Blanc include Ken Forrester, Raats Family Wines, and Domaine Huet.

White wine is a great drink for many reasons. It is a refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. White wine is also a great choice for social gatherings, as it is light and easy to drink. Additionally, white wine has been shown to have health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Overall, white wine is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing beverage.