What makes Chardonnay wines different from other white wines?

Chardonnay is famous for its versatility in different winemaking techniques and thus a wide assortment of styles emerges. Unoaked Chardonnays are characterized by fresh fruit notes and lively acidity, whereas the oaked varieties are fermented and aged in oak barrels and thereby are creamy with a hint of vanilla and toast. Furthermore, Chardonnay is a variety that has the capacity to reveal terroir, thus, offering regional nuances like the minerality of Chablis or the tropical fruitiness of Napa Valley in California.