Chardonnay Food Pairing

Chardonnay is dubbed as one of the most famous white wines in many regions. The production of this wine is emerging and won’t stop anytime soon. This is attributed to the green grape’s adaptability to a diverse variety of climates around the world. So if you’re looking for the best and safest white wine, Chardonnay is probably the answer.

When pairing Chardonnay, it is important to understand the two types of Chardonnay. Oaked and Unoaked Chardonnay. Oaked Chardonnay is smoother and has a buttery texture. This is the typical style that wine enthusiasts typically refer to when mentioning Chardonnay. Unoaked Chardonnay has a more crisp and acidic finish. So depending on the type of Chardonnay you have, you will want to adjust the food or at least how you prepare the food. Pineapple, vanilla, apple, and starfruit are some of the flavors found in most Chardonnay wines.

Pairing Food With Oaked Chardonnay

Since Oaked Chardonnay tends to have a buttery and smooth finish, this wine goes excellent with creamy or buttery dishes like shrimp scampi, seafood alfredo, and lobster dipped in butter.

Pairing Food With Unoaked Chardonnay

This wine is more acidic and crisp in the finish, and goes better with lighter dishes, foods cooked with lemon, raw seafood, and light fish.

Pairing Chardonnay With Meat

The best food to pair with white wine is always seafood. There are numerous seafood selections available, including shrimp, cod, lobster, crabs, halibut, poached salmon, and seafood chowder. Another dish that complements Chardonnay is white fish with butter sauce and grilled fish. Sushi, oysters, and fish with lemon go perfectly with unoaked this crisp white wine.

As a general rule, light seafood, such as mussels, pairs well with unoaked Chardonnay, whereas heavier seafood, such as lobster, pairs well with oaked Chardonnay. For the non-seafood dish, opt for mildly seasoned chicken and pork loin.

Pairing Chardonnay With Cheese

Who would forget pairing white wine and cheese? You can match Chardonnay with a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, feta, cheddar, and emmental. The best cheeses to combine with this great wine are brie and camembert.

Pairing Chardonnay With Appetizers

Appetizers such as creamy vegetable soup are suitable for Chardonnay. Caesar salad and chicken salad can be paired with this bottle of wine as well. With Chardonnay, try mac ‘n’ cheese, cheese sandwich, potato chips, and popcorn as snacks. Charcuterie board is another dish to enjoy with unoaked Chardonnay.

Pairing Chardonnay With Vegetarian Dishes

This full-bodied white wine pairs well with plant-based meals. Choose squash, potatoes, corn, mushrooms, and pumpkin, preferably the starchy vegetables for oaked Chardonnay. You can also opt for salads and roasted vegetables with unoaked chardonnay.

Herbs That Pair Well With Chardonnay

Chardonnay can be matched with the classic garlic and shallots. Thyme, parsley, white pepper, and lemon zest are among the other spices and herbs that can be paired as well.

Food That Does Not Pair Well With Chardonnay

Chardonnay is not compatible with all foods. Because of the wine’s buttery flavor, it does not pair well with light cheeses such as goat cheese or tomato-based meals. Furthermore, red wine is best served with most red meats like steak and beef and much better than Chardonnay for those dishes. It is also important to avoid pairing it with spicy or overly seasoned foods, and bitter veggies.

Best Foods To Eat With Chardonnay

Chardonnay will always be at the top of every white wine list. Just a friendly reminder that unoaked Chardonnay is a light wine that goes perfectly with light foods like cheese and seafood. While Oaked Chardonnay blends well with rich, buttery, and creamy foods. Here are some of the greatest dishes that pair with Chardonnay: