Differences between Chablis vs Chardonnay Wine December 12, 2022

Are you a fan of white wine? If so, you may have wondered what the difference is between Chablis and Chardonnay. Both are popular varieties of white wine, but they have some key differences. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these two wines and explain what makes them unique.

We’ll also help you decide which one is right for you. So, if you’re interested in learning more about Chablis and Chardonnay, keep reading!

What are Chablis and Chardonnay Wine?

Chablis Wine: Chablis is a type of French white wine made from the Chardonnay grape. It is usually dry and acidic with a distinctive minerality derived from its terroir, which includes the chalky soils of the region north of Burgundy.

Chardonnay Wine: Chardonnay is another type of French white wine made from the same grape varietal as Chablis, but grown in different regions around France (and beyond). It tends to be richer and more full-bodied than Chablis, due to oak aging, malolactic fermentation, etc. It can also have different flavor profiles depending on where it was sourced from.

For example, those produced in cooler climates tend to be more mineral-driven, while those from warmer climates impart more fruit and floral aromas. The range of styles for Chardonnay can vary widely.

History of Chablis and Chardonnay Wine

Chablis has been produced since the 9th century and is believed to be one of the oldest white wines in France. It was made famous by its crisp, mineral-driven style in the 1950s and 1960s. Chardonnay, on the other hand, was first planted in Burgundy in the 17th century and gained international attention with its upscale status during California’s “white wine revolution” of the 1970s and 1980s.

Similarities Between Chablis vs Chardonnay

Despite the differences in flavor, Chablis and Chardonnay are both made from the same grape varietal. They also share many of the same winemaking techniques, such as barrel fermentation and malolactic fermentation. Both can be produced in a range of styles, from dry and crisp to rich and buttery.

Differences between Chablis vs Chardonnay Wine

Production Processes

Chablis is made from Chardonnay grapes grown only in the Burgundy region of France. The wines produced are usually light-bodied, with a crisp and tart flavor. To maintain its flavorful character, producers use cold fermentation processes, age their wines in stainless steel tanks instead of oak barrels, and avoid malolactic fermentation.

Chardonnay grapes on the other hand can be grown anywhere around the world, leading to a wide variety of styles depending on production methods. Wines can range from light-bodied and crisp to fuller-bodied with more richness and complexity from flavors including vanilla, buttery, tropical fruits or even smokiness.

Depending on where it’s produced and how it’s aged, Chardonnay wines can be aged in oak barrels, which gives them buttery and toasty characteristics. The malolactic fermentation process is also often used to give the wine more body, a smoother texture and complexity.

Flavor Profile

Chablis has a crisp flavor with aromas of lemon and green apple, plus mineral notes from the limestone soil it’s grown on. It tends to be light-bodied with higher acidity levels than Chardonnay.

Chardonnay on the other hand offers a much broader range of flavors that vary substantially depending on where it’s produced, how long its been aged and what type of barrel was used for aging. Flavors range from tropical fruit, citrus, buttery and creamy to smoky, oaky and even floral. Its body can range from light to full-bodied depending on production methods.

Price Range

Chablis wines tend to be more expensive than Chardonnay because they are harder to produce and require a more specific growing environment. Depending on the quality, region and vintage, prices of Chablis wines range from $15 – $50.

Chardonnay is widely available at various price points ranging from around $10 for an entry-level bottle, up to hundreds of dollars for high-end examples. The price will depend on factors such as producer reputation and production methods used.

7 Frequently Asked Questions | Chablis Vs Chardonnay Wine

1. How do they taste different?

Chablis tends to have a lighter body and higher acidity than Chardonnay, with aromas of lemon and green apple plus mineral notes from the limestone soil it’s grown on. Chardonnay can range from light-bodied and crisp to fuller-bodied with richer flavors such as vanilla, buttery, tropical fruits or even smokiness depending on production methods used.

2. What type of food pairs best with Chablis?

Chablis’s crispness and high acidity make it a great match for lighter seafood dishes like oysters and mussels, as well as salads and sushi. It also pairs well with cheese plates or vegetable dishes.

3. Is Chablis more expensive than Chardonnay?

Yes, due to the specific growing environment needed to produce quality wines, Chablis tends to be more expensive than other varieties of Chardonnay. Depending on quality and vintage, prices for Chablis range from $15 – $50.

4. Does Chardonnay have an oak flavor?

Yes, depending on where it’s produced and how it’s aged, Chardonnay wines can be aged in oak barrels which gives them buttery and toasty characteristics. The malolactic fermentation process is also often used to give the wine more body, a smoother texture and complexity.

5. What type of food pairs best with Chardonnay?

Chardonnay has a wide range of flavors that pair well with a variety of foods. The wine goes well with poultry like chicken or turkey, as well as fish dishes such as salmon and sole. It can also pair well with creamy sauces or dishes that have buttery flavors.

6. How long does Chablis last?

Chablis wines are best consumed within two to three years of vintage date, but some higher quality vintages can be cellared for up to five years. The wine should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight and at consistent temperatures between 10-13 degrees Celsius (50-55 Fahrenheit) for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

Wine enthusiasts have long debated the differences between Chablis vs Chardonnay wines. While both are made from the same grape, the soils in which they are grown and the production methods used give each wine its own unique flavor profile. The next time you’re enjoying a glass of white wine, take a moment to taste the subtle difference between these two popular varieties.