As the most popular white wine grape with a vast acreage of plantings around the world, chardonnay is a star variety. It fares well in cool and warm climates, and it can produce desirable wines whether it’s matured in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. Consequently, there are many international chardonnay styles, with some regions especially known for their unique renditions. For consumers who have only sampled the occasional bottle or who are stuck in a rut of buttery chardonnay or high acid bottlings, this selection of chardonnay for beginners is a great way to branch out.
作為全球最受歡迎的白葡萄酒葡萄之一,霞多麗在全球的種植面積廣泛,是一顆明星品種。它在涼爽與暖和的氣候中都能表現良好,無論是在不鏽鋼槽中熟成,或是在橡木桶中熟成,都能釀出理想的酒款。因此,霞多麗的國際風格多樣,某些地區因其獨特的風格而特別出名。對於只是偶爾品嚐一瓶,或陷入奶油風格霞多麗或高酸酒瓶的讀者,這份給初學者的霞多麗清單,是拓展口味的好方式。
作為持有葡萄酒認證專家與 WSET 第三級的品酒人,我品嚐過來自數十個國家的霞多麗,並把自己最喜歡的類型縮小範圍。不論偏好為何,我都根據全球重要產區及其風格差異,整理出這份給初學者的霞多麗酒款清單。無論你想從日常購酒中走出舒適圈,或渴望發掘市面上霞多麗的廣大風格,這些酒款都是不錯的起點。
Prices are as of the date of publication and reflect national averages.
Louis Latour Chardonnay Bourgogne
With a history dating back to the 1700s and several estates around France, Louis Latour is an iconic producer in the country. In Burgundy, it holds one of the largest Grand Cru vineyard areas, prized plots in the prestigious wine region. With sustainable viticulture at the forefront of its philosophy, the winery puts a lot of effort into growing high quality grapes that need little attention in the cellar. Among the lineup of wines are numerous bottles featuring specific vineyards and areas in Burgundy, but the Bourgogne Chardonnay offers an approachable and broader taste of the region. It’s worth noting that chardonnay hails from Burgundy, and consequently, the local fruit is considered especially representative and suited to its terroir.
路易·拉圖自18世紀起便成立多處酒莊,是法國知名的標誌性酒廠。在勃艮第,它擁有龐大的特級園區之一,在這個備受推崇的酒區中佔有重要地位。以永續葡萄栽培作為核心理念,酒莊在種植高品質葡萄上投入大量心力,使葡萄在酒窖中不需過度處理。酒款陣容中有許多以特定葡萄園與區域為特色的酒,但 Bourgogne 霞多麗提供了對該地區更易入門、風格更廣泛的風味。值得一提的是,霞多麗起源於勃艮第,因此當地出產的水果被認為最具代表性、最能契合其風土。”
The Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay is made by fermenting the grapes in stainless steel vats and allowing them to undergo malolactic fermentation to round out the acidity and introduce an element of creaminess to the palate. The aging also occurs in stainless steel, ensuring that the fruit aromas are well displayed. This wine offers notes of white peach, yellow apple, honeysuckle, and almond, enhanced by an element of minerality. Although Burgundy chardonnays can easily be some of the priciest white wines in the world, this reputable producer offers a well-made example for beginners to discover. Served as an aperitif or with seafood, this is a great wine to start your foray into chardonnay for around $23.
Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
As an experienced winery with decades under its belt, Decoy excels at producing quality wines at affordable prices. The winery sits under the Duckhorn Portfolio, which includes the premium Duckhorn Vineyards brand. Although the two differ in price tag, Decoy is a worthy alternative if you’re looking for a more entry-level ready-to-drink option. Using grapes from its estate vineyards as well as from independent growers, the wines express the diversity of the Sonoma landscape. Meanwhile, in the cellar, plenty of focus is given to ensuring the different vineyard plots and qualities of the terroir are highlighted.
多年歷練的酒廠,Decoy 在以親民價格生產高品質葡萄酒方面表現出色。該酒廠隸屬於 Duckhorn Portfolio,旗下還有高級的 Duckhorn Vineyards 品牌。雖然兩者的價格不同,但若你想找一款更入門、適合日常飲用的霞多麗,Decoy 是一個值得考慮的選擇。酒款使用自家酒莊葡萄園與獨立種植者的果實,表現出索諾瑪地區的多樣性。酒窖方面,著重於確保不同葡萄園與風土特質在酒中得到突顯。
Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 是該酒廠 Limited 系列的一部分,系列由加州優質葡萄園的小批量酒款組成。果實來源於索諾瑪海岸 AVA,海洋影響與涼爽氣候帶來清新感,這款霞多麗讓人更易理解為何它成為索諾瑪縣最常見的葡萄品種之一。作為全球高端霞多麗的產區之一,初學者一定要嚐嚐這瓶,才能理解它為何享有這樣的聲譽。
這款酒在部分新法國橡木桶中熟成,帶出香草與橡木香氣。口感呈現檸檬、梨、蘋果、金銀花、卡士達與布里歐修等香氣,圓潤奶油感十足,同時酸度仍然明亮。這支價位約為 30 美元的霞多麗,展現出輕微的橡木影響與涼爽氣候特質,是 Seafood、奶油義大利麵與濃郁小吃的絕佳搭配。”
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay
Margaret River in western Australia is known for its stellar chardonnay, making it an excellent region for beginners to explore. The wines boast concentrated aromas, vibrant acidity, and a hint of salinity thanks to the nearby ocean and unique chardonnay grape clone. Vasse Felix was founded in the 1960s before the region was widely known as a source of high-quality wines. Chardonnay is one of its primary focuses, with specific vineyard plots highlighted in the different bottlings.
西澳大利亞州的瑪格麗特河以霞多麗聞名,是初學者探索的絕佳區域。這些酒款香氣濃郁、酸度活躍,並帶有一絲鹹味,這都要歸功於臨海的影響與獨特的霞多麗克隆。Vasse Felix 於該地區廣為人知之前便於 1960 年代成立,霞多麗是其主要焦點之一,在不同酒款中突顯出特定葡萄園的風格。
The Filius Chardonnay is one of the winery’s classic wines, vinified in a modern and fresh style. The wine is fermented with wild yeast and matured in mostly neutral French oak, building a subtle depth of flavor and a rounded texture. It displays notes of green apple, melon, and lemon, as well as a hint of cucumber and minerality. The balanced acidity keeps this chardonnay light on the palate and pairs well with food, notably soft cheeses, roast poultry, and seafood. Retailing for around $35, this is a fantastic chardonnay from a reputable winery that can show beginners how features such as high elevation affect chardonnay.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Dijon Clone Chardonnay
Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in the early 1980s, just as the Oregon region was becoming firmly established as a source of premium wine. Since then, the winery has expanded to several vineyards while continuing to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices. The Dijon Clone Chardonnay features this specific French clone which performs well in the Willamette Valley. In fact, the winery’s founder brought back the clones himself from Burgundy in the ’80s, creating a solid footing for chardonnay’s success in the Oregon vineyards.
Willamette Valley Vineyards 成立於 1980s 初期,正值俄勒岡州逐漸確立為高品質葡萄酒的產區。此後酒莊拓展到多座葡萄園,並持續以永續耕作為優先。Dijon Clone 霞多麗採用這一特定法國克隆,在威拉美特谷表現不俗。事實上,酒莊創辦人於 80 年代親自從勃艮第帶回這些克隆,為霞多麗在俄勒岡的成功奠定了堅實基礎。
It is made with fruit from two vineyards, including one that has been considered among the best in the state. After harvest, the wine is fermented in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Consequently, a portion of it undergoes malolactic fermentation to smooth out the acidity and round out the palate, which is further enhanced by lees aging. The wine displays notes of melon, vanilla, and brioche, along with a mineral touch. A gentle acidity keeps it fresh and pairs well with creamy dishes, as well as cheeses and seafood. For chardonnay consumers looking to delve into the distinctions between the numerous clones, this $29 bottle is an excellent choice.
Elena Walch Chardonnay
As one of the top wineries in the Northern Italian region of Alto Adige, Elena Walch is a source of top quality wines. The winery places a large focus on the unique nature of its surrounding terroir, which benefits from high altitude conditions, microclimates, and distinct soils. The vineyards are all cultivated by hand according to sustainable agricultural practices, while modern innovations in the cellar help ensure the resulting wines are top-notch.
作為北義大利 阿爾托 阿第杰地區的頂尖酒莊之一,Elena Walch 提供高品質葡萄酒。酒莊高度重視周遭風土的獨特性,受益於高海拔、微氣候與獨特的土壤。葡萄園皆以手工栽培,遵循永續耕作原則,同時酒窖中的現代創新技術確保釀造出一流酒款。
The Elena Walch Chardonnay is made with fruit that’s fermented in stainless steel tanks. It then continues to mature in the tanks on the dead yeast cells, infusing a creamy texture and rich body to the wine. Notes of ripe fruit like apple, pineapple, and banana mingle with floral aromas and a mineral essence. The wine is dry on the palate but remains fragrant and round, making an excellent pairing for grilled chicken and fish, or a creamy pasta dish. Retailing for around $35, this is a fantastic chardonnay from a reputable winery that can show beginners how features such as high elevation affect chardonnay.
Elena Walch 霞多麗以在不鏽鋼罐中發酵的果實為基底,然後在罐中以死酵母細胞繼續熟成,為酒帶來奶油般的口感與豐滿的酒體。風味包含熟透水果如蘋果、鳳梨與香蕉,並混合花香與礦物香。口感乾爽但香氣依然迷人且圓潤,非常適合搭配烤雞、魚類或奶油義大利麵。售價約 35 美元,這支來自知名酒莊的霞多麗,是初學者理解高海拔等特徵對霞多麗影響的極佳示範。
Luigi Bosca Insignia Collection Chardonnay
Luigi Bosca has been a key player in the Argentine wine landscape for more than 120 years. Since its inception, the Mendoza winery has excelled in high-altitude vineyards, championing sustainable practices throughout the region. As it expresses the Mendoza terroir through its wines, the winery’s philosophy is to continue ensuring the land thrives for centuries to come. The Insignia Collection highlights the wines that are most emblematic of the winery, which includes chardonnay.
路易吉·博斯卡在阿根廷葡萄酒界已經扮演要角超過 120 年。自創立以來,門多薩酒莊在高海拔葡萄園領域表現傑出,並在全區推廣永續實踐。透過酒款呈現門多薩風土,酒莊的理念是持續讓土地世代繁榮。Insignia 收藏系列凸顯出酒莊最具代表性的酒款,其中也包含霞多麗。
The Luigi Bosca Insignia Chardonnay is made with fruit from vineyards in the Uco Valley that reach over 3,000 feet in altitude, offering a taste of high elevation wines. After harvest, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks before it undergoes a short period of maturation in French oak barrels. The wine boasts notes of tropical fruits like pineapple, along with stone fruit and pear. Thanks to the fruit character and aging regimen, it’s round and fruity on the palate with a bright acidity that keeps it fresh. Serve this lightly oaked chardonnay with seafood, roast chicken, and soft cheese like Brie.
路易吉·博斯卡 Insignia 霞多麗採用來自海拔超過 3,000 英尺的 Uco Valley 葡萄園的果實。收成後,酒在不鏽鋼罐中發酵,之後於法國橡木桶中短暫熟成。酒款帶有熱帶水果如鳳梨,以及核果與梨子的香氣。由於果香與熟成規劃,口感圓潤、果香濃郁,酸度明亮,讓整體保持新鮮。建議搭配海鮮、烤雞與軟質起司如布里。一瓶約 23 美元,提供阿根廷高海拔景觀的美味體驗,並賦予霞多麗新鮮感。這種橡木風味與風土的結合,為初學者帶來獨特的品嚐體驗與辨識機會。
The wine retails for around $23, offering a delicious taste of Argentina’s high-altitude landscape and the resulting freshness it imbues in chardonnay. The combination of oak influence and terroir provide a unique tasting experience for beginners to discover the nuances of this classic grape.
Boschendal The 1685 Collection Chardonnay
As one of the foundational wineries of South Africa, Boschendal is an important source for wines that express the country’s diversity. With a particular focus on chardonnay and shiraz, this is an excellent producer for chardonnay beginners to discover. Thanks to multiple centuries of experience, the winery is well versed in sustainable methods in the vineyard and cellar, highlighting the abundance of the South African viticultural environment. The winery’s 1685 Collection gets its name from its founding year and features a selection of wines that showcase each variety at its essence.
作為南非的奠基性酒莊之一,Boschendal 為表現該國多樣性的酒款提供重要來源。它特別專注於霞多麗與西拉,是霞多麗初學者發掘的優秀產區。長久的經驗使酒莊在葡萄園與酒窖中熟悉運用永續方法,突顯南非葡萄酒產區的豐富風土。該莊的 1685 Collection 以創立年份命名,收藏的酒款在風格上各自展現出本類型的本質。
The Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay is made with fruit sourced from cool climate vineyards in the Cape Coast region. Due to the ocean influence and distinct soil types, the fruit retains freshness and acidity, which is reflected in the final product. The wine is fermented and matured on the lees in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels (both new and used), resulting in a creamy character with plenty of complexity. It displays notes of citrus zest, peach, and tropical fruit, balanced by hints of vanilla and oak from the barrel influence. This chardonnay is a hit with seafood as well as heartier dishes like pork and risotto. With an average price of $16, this label is sure to become a favorite to any chardonnay novice.
Craggy Range Winery Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay
New Zealand may be known for its sauvignon blanc, but several other white wine grapes do well in the vineyards. At Craggy Range, a dedication to expressing New Zealand’s unique terroir is at the heart of the winery’s production. The estate vineyards are located in the Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough regions, encompassing two distinct parts of the country’s viticultural potential.
新西蘭以長相思聞名,但其他白葡萄品種在該國的葡萄園中也表現出色。Craggy Range 酒莊以表現新西蘭獨特風土為核心,介於 Hawke’s Bay 與 Martinborough 的酒園區,涵蓋了該國葡萄酒潛力的兩個截然不同面向。
The Craggy Range Chardonnay is made with fruit from the Hawke’s Bay vineyards, which are located near the coast. The combination of warm, sunny temperatures and cool influences from the sea creates a perfect balance in the wine. The fruit is hand harvested and fermented in both large oak and stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs to smooth out the acidity, followed by several months of maturation in partially new French oak barrels.
Craggy Range 的霞多麗採用來自靠近海岸的 Hawke’s Bay 葡萄園果實。在溫暖日照與海風帶來的涼爽影響共同作用下,酒款呈現完美的平衡。果實以手工採收,於大型橡木桶與不鏽鋼罐中發酵。接著進行乳酸發酵以平滑酸度,並在部分新法國橡木桶中陳放數月。
This chardonnay features notes of lemon and lime, along with hints of peach and white flowers. A distinct mineral and saline quality is present too, paired with vibrant acidity that speaks to the cooler climate of the vineyards. Serve it with hard cheeses, grilled vegetables, or oysters. Retailing for around $28, this juicy chardonnay proves that there’s so much more to New Zealand white wine than sauvignon blanc. As a cool climate style from a new world growing region, this bottle is a great way for beginners to see how growing conditions and tradition influence chardonnay.
這款霞多麗帶有檸檬與青檸的香氣,並點綴桃子與白花。酒中還帶有明顯的礦物質與鹽分風味,加上活潑的酸度,顯示出較涼爽氣候葡萄園的特徵。建議搭配硬質奶酪、烤蔬菜或生蠔。售價約 28 美元,這支多汁的霞多麗證明新西蘭白酒遠不止長相思一種風格。作為來自新世界涼爽氣候產區的酒款,此瓶是初學者了解生長條件與傳統如何影響霞多麗的極佳方式。”
Errazuriz Max Chardonnay
Chile’s red wines get plenty of buzz, but the country’s white wines offer an equally enticing experience. Errázuriz is a family-owned winery in the Aconcagua Valley, where cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean help moderate the temperatures in the warm valleys. Errázuriz’s viticultural philosophy places the environment in the center, with sustainable practices and a keen awareness to keep it proliferating. Max is a line of wines that features different varieties sourced from some of Errázuriz’s best vineyards. The combination of varietal character and terroir is evidenced in the Errázuriz Max Chardonnay, making it an excellent choice for beginners learning to identify the qualities unique to chardonnay and how they change by region.
智利的紅酒廣受稱讚,但該國的白酒同樣迷人。Errázuriz 是位於阿空干瓜谷的家族酒莊,太平洋的涼風有助於在溫暖的山谷中維持適宜溫度。Errázuriz 的葡萄栽培理念以環境為中心,採取永續做法並致力讓資源長久繁衍。Max 系列包含取自該酒莊最佳葡萄園的多款酒。Errázuriz Max 霞多麗結合了品種特性與風土風味,是初學者學習辨識霞多麗獨有特質、以及地區差異的極佳選擇。
Thanks to cool growing conditions, this chardonnay offers pleasant acidity that brings freshness to the palate. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented in partially new French oak barrels, where they continue to mature for almost a year. This step gives the wines a subtle oak character, with aromas of toast and dried fruit. Simultaneously, the chardonnay’s fruitiness comes through, with notes of citrus, pear, and pineapple. Serve this chardonnay with grilled shrimp, carbonara, or even pork chops. At around $17 a bottle, this Chilean wine is an excellent value, which is especially good for beginners.
由於涼爽的生長條件,這款霞多麗帶有宜人的酸度,為味蕾帶來清新感。果實以手工採收,在部分新法國橡木桶中發酵,並在其中近一年熟成。此步驟賦予酒款微妙的橡木香氣,如烤麵包與乾果,同時也保留水果的香氣,帶有檸檬、梨子與鳳梨的香氣。建議搭配烤蝦、卡博那義大利麵,或豬排等。單瓶約 17 美元,此智利葡萄酒性價比很高,對初學者尤為友善。
Woodward Canyon Washington State Chardonnay
Washington State might not be the first place you think of when looking for a bottle of chardonnay, but for beginners wanting to explore the variety’s multifaceted character, it’s an excellent choice. Woodward Canyon’s Estate Vineyard was first planted in the late 1970s with chardonnay, after the founder was inspired by the great wines of Burgundy. The vineyard is located in the Walla Walla Ava, and the vines have continued to thrive for the past 50 years.
華盛頓州或許不是你最先想到的霞多麗產區,但對於想要探索這個品種多面性的初學者而言,這裡是極佳的選擇。Woodward Canyon 的莊園葡萄園最初於 1970 年代末開始種植霞多麗,創辦人受到布艮第偉大葡萄酒的啟發。葡萄園位於 Walla Walla AVA,過去五十年中葡萄樹持續茁壯。
The Woodward Canyon Washington State Chardonnay is made with fruit from these old vines, as well as newer vines planted more recently. The wine is fermented in a combination of new and old French oak barrels, then matured in oak as well. The oak influence is delicate yet evidenced in the subtle spice and toasted aromas. Floral notes of jasmine, along with fresh pear, lychee, and apricot are all displayed in this elegant wine. A vibrant acidity keeps the palate light and juicy, making it a great bottle to pair with food, such as barbecue chicken, creamy pastas, or mushroom dishes. At $45, it’s on the pricier side, but as chardonnay beginners develop their palate to the nuances of this chameleon grape, this is a fantastic bottle to uncork.
此酒採用舊藤與新藤的果實混合釀製。酒液在新舊法國橡木桶中發酵,並在橡木桶中陳放。橡木影響雖不強烈,但在香料與烘烤香氣中表現出來。茉莉花香與新鮮的梨子、荔枝、杏桃等果香在此款優雅的霞多麗中並存。活潑的酸度讓口感輕盈多汁,是搭配燒烤雞肉、奶油義大利麵或蘑菇料理的好搭檔。價格約 45 美元,屬於較高價位;但當霞多麗初學者慢慢品嚐,逐漸辨識這種變色龍葡萄的細微差異時,這瓶是極佳的開瓶選擇。
Methodology
To select these chardonnay wines for beginners, I aimed to choose a variety of options from the key growing regions around the world. For consumers who are eager to learn more about the grape and its intricacies, tasting bottles sourced from vineyards with distinct characteristics offers a broad range of flavors. These wines are all representative of their regions of origin, allowing beginners to identify the distinctions from one place to another and build preferences.
為了為初學者挑選霞多麗酒款,我特別從全球重要的產區中選擇多樣化的選項。對於渴望更深入了解霞多麗及其複雜性的消費者,從具有獨特風土特徵的葡萄園中挑選的小瓶酒,可以提供更廣泛的風味體驗。這些酒都代表其原產地區,讓初學者得以辨識不同地點之間的差異,並逐步形成口味偏好。
Additionally, these wines are all food friendly, ensuring that the complete experience of the wine with food can be enjoyed. These wines are primarily bottles that I have sampled myself, or alternatively, are made by producers whose wines I enjoy.
此外,這些酒款普遍適合搭配各式餐點,能讓酒與食物的整體享受完整呈現。這些酒大多是我親自品嚐過的酒,或是出自我喜歡的釀酒師之作。