What To Pair With Chardonnay: 5 Top Picks

February 21 2023, by Scott Connor, 6 min reading time

You may have thought about what to pair with chardonnay. Read our top chardonnay food pairing tips and discover your next go-to choice.

If you're curious about what pairs well with Chardonnay, you've come to the right place! Chardonnay is among the most adaptable wine varieties, harmonizing with a wide range of dishes. From rich and creamy plates to light and zesty tastes, you'll have a multitude of choices when selecting a dish to enjoy alongside your next Chardonnay glass. We'll delve into the top culinary combinations for Chardonnay to assist you in finding the ideal partner for your favorite bottle.

What is Chardonnay?

Chardonnay is one of the world's most popular white wines. While this white wine is originally from Burgundy, France it is now grown around the world. Chardonnay has a large variety of styles. Cooler climates and earlier harvests produce particularly vibrant bottles due to the high acidity, while warmer climates and longer ripening periods produce a richer and more decadent taste. Its ability to provide a refreshing sip in summer or a comforting experience in cooler months makes it an ideal choice all year round.¹

Best Foods to Pair with Chardonnay

When it comes to what to pair with Chardonnay, you have a lot of options. Depending on the style of Chardonnay and the flavors it exhibits, there are a variety of dishes and food pairings that will go well.

1. Seafood

Seafood is one of the best Ch a rdonnay food pairings. Rich fish dishes like lobster, salmon, tuna, and halibut are all great options for white wine lovers. The light, yet buttery flavors in Chardonnay make it an ideal complement to seafood dishes.

2. Cheese

Cheese is another great pairing for Chardonnay. From classic brie to sharp cheddar and creamy blue cheese, there are so many delicious cheese options that pair well with this white wine. Look for cheeses with a bit of tang and sweetness to bring out the flavor notes in your glass of Chardonnay.

3. Chicken

Chicken is also a classic Chardonnay food pairing. Whether you’re making a traditional roast chicken or a more flavorful dish like chicken alfredo, the subtle sweetness and body of Chardonnay will bring out the best in your meal.

4. Veggies

If you’re looking for vegetarian options, look no further than roasted vegetables. Root vegetables like beets and carrots pair wonderfully with Chardonnay. You can also try grilled or roasted mushrooms and squash for a delicious combination.

5. Fruit

Fruit-based dishes also work well with Chardonnay. Try poached pears, apple tarts or peach cobbler for a sweet, yet savory pairing.²

No matter what kind of meal you’re serving, there’s sure to be the best Chardonnay food pairing that will bring out the best in both the wine and your meal.

Why These Foods Pair Well With Chardonnay

There are several different styles of Chardonnay all having different flavor profiles and aromas. Whether you prefer Sparking, Oaked, or Unoaked Chardonnay, each style can make the perfect companion to many dishes.

Sparkling Chardonnay

Sparkling Chardonnay is a crisp, light-bodied wine. This style pairs well with seafood and salads, as the carbonation and acidity of the wine, cuts through the richness of this food. Citrus notes also pair well with Sparkling Chardonnay, making it a great choice for dishes like sushi or ceviche.

Oaked Chardonnay

Oaked Chardonnay is full-bodied and creamy, with layers of rich flavor. What pairs well with Chardonnay in this style? The aged oak barrel character in this wine makes it an excellent pairing for heartier dishes, like grilled meats and pasta dishes. Rich cheese is also a good accompaniment for Oaked Chardonnay, as its creamy texture complements the wine’s body and flavor.

Unoaked Chardonnay

Unoaked Chardonnay is a light-bodied and fruity wine. The vibrant fruit flavors of Unoaked Chardonnay make it an excellent pairing for lighter dishes like grilled white fish or roasted chicken. It can also bring out the subtle flavors of vegetables, making it a great accompaniment to vegetable-focused dishes like stir-fries. The lightness of this wine helps to highlight the delicate flavors of these dishes.³

No matter which Chardonnay you pick, lots of food choices go well with its rich taste and make both the meal and the wine even better. The best way to find what you like is by trying out different pairings for yourself.

Tips for Pairing Food With Chardonnay

When pairing food with Chardonnay, there are a few basic principles to follow. It’s important to consider the body of the Chardonnay when selecting what to pair it with.

Body

The body of the Chardonnay will determine how rich or light the flavor is and that will influence what type of foods you should pair it with. Light-bodied Chardonnays pair well with lighter, more delicate dishes such as fish, salads and simple pastas. Rich-bodied Chardonnays are best enjoyed with heavier dishes like steak, pork, or creamy sauces.

Acidity

You also want to think about the acidity, sweetness and tannins. A dry Chardonnay with a higher acidity pairs well with food that has rich flavors and fat content like pork, poultry and cream sauces. Sweet and semi-sweet Chardonnay can be paired with grilled fish, roasted vegetables and salty cheeses. And if your Chardonnay has some tannin, you might want to try pairing it with something spicy like Thai or Indian cuisine.

Flavor

Our last tip for pairing Chardonnay with food is to pay attention to the aromas and flavors in the wine. You can usually find hints of oak, buttery notes, tropical fruit, or citrus depending on the variety of Chardonnay you’re drinking. If you detect oak or buttery notes, consider pairing it with a dish that has some of those same notes.²

Find Premium Chardonnay Online With Barbank

So, what does Chardonnay pair well with? The best way to find out is to experiment! Take the time to taste the Chardonnay or thoroughly read the label to take note of the aromas or flavors. Then, try pairing different foods until you find something that works best for you.

Although it can be hard to find the perfect food and wine pairings, Barbank is here to help. On our online liquor delivery’s website, you can find the best white wine with comprehensive descriptions to better help you decide what to best pair it with.

Shopping at Barbank offers you a luxurious, convenient way to purchase all kinds of alcohol without leaving the comfort of your home. Now, pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay and enjoy this versatile white wine with the food pairing of your choice!

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