Wine style · White
Lightly oaked Chardonnay
A full, round white wine. A light touch of oak adds a creamy note without hiding the fruit. Serve cool, not ice-cold: about 50 to 55°F.
Wine suggestions are for adults 21 and over. Every pairing includes an alcohol-free pick.
Picked for a recipe
Why it works with creamy garlic chicken
A full, round white wine. A light touch of oak adds a creamy note without hiding the fruit.
Taste
What it tastes like
Aromas and flavors
Styles
Which style?
Food
What to cook with it
Great with
- Creamy chicken and pasta
- Roast chicken and turkey
- Salmon and trout
- Mushroom risotto
- Corn dishes and chowder
- Crab and lobster
Skip it with
- Very spicy food: Alcohol and oak make chili heat hotter. Try off-dry Riesling.
- Tomato-heavy sauces: The tomato makes it taste flat. Try Chianti or Barbera.
- Delicate raw fish: Oak covers it up. Try unoaked white or dry sparkling wine.
Serving
How to serve it
| Temperature | 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C). |
| From the fridge | Take it out 15 to 20 minutes before you pour. |
| From room temperature | About 2 hours in the fridge or 20 to 30 minutes in ice water. |
| Glass | White wine glass. |
| Open bottle | Keep it in the fridge. Best within 3 to 5 days. |
Allergens and labels
Contains sulfites. Fining agents such as egg, milk protein or isinglass do not have to be labeled in the US.
Buying
What to look for
Places that often make it
- Mâcon-Villages
- Bourgogne Blanc
- Willamette Valley
- Sonoma Coast
- Margaret River
What to spend
Good everyday bottles usually cost about $12.00 to $25.00 in the US.
Alternatives
Something else?
| Instead | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Light red with soft tannins. |
| Chenin Blanc or Viognier | Similar body, little or no oak. |
| Dry sparkling wine | Bubbles and acidity cut through cream. |
| Sparkling apple cider Alcohol-free | Tart apple and bubbles; add lemon. |
| Alcohol-removed Chardonnay Alcohol-free | Keeps the fruit; serve a little colder. |
FAQ
Lightly oaked Chardonnay questions
Is Chardonnay sweet?
Usually not. Most Chardonnay is dry.
What makes Chardonnay taste buttery?
Malolactic conversion makes diacetyl; oak adds vanilla and toast.
Should Chardonnay be chilled?
Yes, to about 50 to 55°F.
How long does an open bottle last?
Corked in the fridge, about 3 to 5 days.
Is Chablis a Chardonnay?
Yes, usually unoaked or very lightly oaked.