Chardonnay Food Pairings



Chardonnay Food Pairings
3 mins readJul 3, 2020

Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits stocks a huge selection of wines from around the globe. When you are looking for Chardonnay food pairings, our knowledgeable staff has some delightful recommendations.

Chardonnay Food PairingsJacques Scott Wines & Spirits is the leading retailer of premium beer, wine and liquor in the Cayman Islands. With six stores from one end of Grand Cayman to the other, along with the best prices, top-notch customer service, and free delivery, we will help you find the perfect beverage for every occasion.

About Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the world’s most famous white wine grape, one of the most widely planted, and beloved by people all over the world. Some of the best chardonnays come from France and California, but there are also fine examples from Italy, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Pair Chardonnay with:

  • Shellfish
  • White-fleshed fish, e.g., halibut, mahi-mahi, tilapia
  • Chicken and turkey
  • Pork
  • Veal
  • Risotto and pasta
  • Beans
  • Mushrooms
  • Cream and butter sauces
  • Mild Caribbean dishes with tropical fruit flavors

World’s Top Chardonnay-Producing Regions

Chardonnay regions have spread around the globe. Here are those that produce the best wines.

France: Historically, France was the first producer of wines from Chardonnay grapes. Thanks to a simple style of wine-making in the Chablis region and the cooler climate that helps maintain high acidity, the Chardonnay made here is one of the purest expressions of the grape’s character. Try the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Sauvignon Blanc which is excellent when paired with white fish.

USA: Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the U.S. From Arizona to Massachusetts and everywhere in between, thousands of different bottlings are produced, ranging from light-bodied, delicate, and crisp, to full-bodied, rich, and oaky. If you prefer brighter acidity and lighter flavors, look for bottlings from cooler regions like Oregon, Washington, New York, and California’s Monterey peninsula. We recommend the 2017 Indigo Eyes Chardonnay from California’s North Coast, which is a great accompaniment for poultry or shellfish dishes.

Chile: Chile is large and climatically diverse, with topography that’s squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, capturing the influences of ocean air currents and mountain altitudes. Pick up a bottle of the Montes Reserva Chardonnay from Chile’s Curico Valley, which is fruity, creamy, and has an elegant finish. Enjoy it with smoked, grilled or roasted meats, chicken, pork, lamb, beef, or veal.

Australia: Australia ranks sixth in the world in wine production, and Chardonnay is its most widely planted white grape varietal. It is focused on fruit intensity and creamy texture. Try the award-winning Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay from South Australia, which features delicious peach, lemon, and pear flavors and hints of subtle oak. Enjoy it with chicken, fish, turkey, lightly sauced veal dishes, mushrooms, or pasta.

New Zealand:  Chardonnay is second only to Sauvignon Blanc as the most widely planted grape variety in New Zealand. Places like Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa have been most successful with the wine, but there are excellent options from other areas like Gisborne, Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson. The elegant wines tend to be citrus and tropical fruit-driven. We recommend the award-winning Cloudy Bay Chardonnay from the Marlborough region. Pair it with chicken or turkey.

As you evaluate different wine and food pairings, consider a delicious Chardonnay from Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits. Our experts can help you decide which one to try, and we’ll surprise you with the most affordable prices.