Posted by QuickReadAbout.com Staff in Choosing a wine to give as a gift can be difficult to do if you don’t know the person’s tastes. A good choice in this case would be Chardonnay wine. Chardonnay is a popular type of white wine that is inexpensive while still being a good wine. It is widely available and goes with many dishes so is makes a very nice wine gift for just about anyone.
Chardonnay grapes, which are used to make white Chardonnay wine, originated in France. A thin-skinned light green grape, Chardonnay grapes were created by crossing the Pinot and Croatian Blanc grapes, both which have since become extinct. Chardonnay grapes may have started in the Champagne and Burgundy regions but they have adapted well to conditions all around the globe. The ease of growing this variety has helped it spread throughout Europe, Australia, South Africa and even the United States.
The grape juice from the Chardonnay grapes are fermented in aged in oak barrels to bring out the white wine’s trademark vanilla flavor. It is known as a non-aromatic type of wine which is why oak is so effective during the fermentation. The chemical interaction between the wood and the wine is what brings out the hint of vanilla that Chardonnay is renowned for.
The highest quality Chardonnay wines are produced in the United States and France. The wines created in these two regions have the reputation for being the most complex and intense of Chardonnays. Most American Chardonnays are produced in California, which has gained a prestigious reputation for creating fine wines.
Since Chardonnay is the most common type of white wine, you will find it available in all parts of the world. There are variations in taste and aroma depending on where and how it was produced. This will influence the price you pay, along with how much was produced of each vintage. However, you should be able to find a very good Chardonnay at low cost.
Chardonnay pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. This is a large reason why it has attained a high popularity. This wine should be served chilled and it goes perfectly with any dishes that have butter or cheese as main ingredients. Since it also has a low acidity level, Chardonnays go very nicely with seafood dishes or other salty foods.
The light flavors and ease of serving with such a wide variety of dishes makes Chardonnay a requirement in any wine enthusiast’s portfolio. Your local wine shop should stock a good assortment of Chardonnay, both domestic and imported. Prices are very reasonable for most varieties, however you should expect to pay more for a fine French Chardonnay. Many people swear that the unique qualities of fine French wine make any price worth it, but this will depend on your budget.
As you can see, Chardonnay would be a wonderful wine gift for any occasion. The low cost of this wine makes it easy on almost any budget. The ease of pairing Chardonnay with foods make this easy on the recipient and will be an appreciated wine gift.