If you love big, buttery chardonnays, few wine producing regions deliver as well as California. This style of wine originated in Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Excellent examples are produced found in the Central Coast and Santa Barbara areas.
The popular buttery style of Chardonnay is a largely American creation, and is the result of a very specific wine making techniques. The wines are put through a secondary fermentation process, called malolactic fermentation. This process softens the acidity and gives the wine the characteristic round, soft mouth feel and rich, buttery flavor
In contrast, wine regions such as France typically abstain from this process, preferring the natural, more acidic profile of the Chardonnay grape. The grapes are also used to produce some of the most popular sparkling wines in the world.
So which wine brands are your best picks for a buttery chardonnay? Here are our top recommendations:
Everyday Value – Under $20
Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve – Inexpensive wine from one of the largest and most popular wine makers in the world. It has aromas of vanilla and honey, and flavors of tropical fruit like pineapple and papaya. Grapes are sourced from cool, coastal California wine regions. The wine is fermented and aged in Oak, and the sur-lie aging proves gives the wine it’s buttery, smooth texture.
Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay – Another favorite from a popular wine brand, this Chardonnay has a buttery, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The butterscotch flavor is balanced by tropical fruit flavors. The wine is aged in American and French Oak barrels.
Edna Valley Central Coast Chardonnay – Aromas include pears, apples, apricots, and cinnamon with a traditional buttery Chardonnay finish. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from San Luis Obispo County in California for the past thirty years.
Toasted Head Chardonnay – An affordable, buttery Chardonnay with aromas of butterscotch, bourbon, and pears. Creamy finish with flavors such as caramelized peaches and custard. Plus it has a bizarre, fun label that features a Grizzly Bear breathing fire!
Buena Vista Carneros Chardonnay – Aromas of kiwi, pineapple, and vanilla. Flavors of apples, peaches and pears. Long, creamy buttery finish typical of California Chardonnays. This one can often be found at Trader Joes and Costco!
Splurge Occasions – Over $20
J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay – This buttery Chardonnay has aromas of apples, citrus, and allspice. Creamy texture with flavors of crème brulee and roasted hazelnuts. Winemaking process includes malolactic fermentation and sur-lies aging.
Benovia Russian River Valley Chardonnay – This very special Chardonnay is from the famous Russian River Valley wine region in California. The smooth, buttery finish is characteristics of Chardonnays from this area. The wine features aromas of peaches and tangerines, and aromas of citrus and baked pears.
Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay – Rombauer is a fantastic winery, which has been producing Chardonnay for over three decades. This wine comes from the Carneros region, south of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentations and sur-lie aging, giving it a nice buttery finish. The wine features aromas of citrus fruit, vanilla, and spices with flavors of vanilla, guava, and mango.
Morgan McIntyre Vineyard Chardonnay – Morgan Winery is one of the very first vineyards to practice sustainable farming. The vineyard’s location next to Monterey Bay makes it an ideal spot for growing amazing Chardonnay. The wines are barrel aged in French oak, and one hundred percent of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation. Aromas include tropical fruits such as peaches, tangerines, and apricots. Flavors include bananas, oranges, and butterscotch. This is an excellent buttery Chardonnay for pairing with food.
Hess Collection Monterey County Chardonnay – Perhaps a little less buttery than the rest, this Chardonnay retains just enough of that soft, toasty finish to make the list. Flavors include lemon, limes and apples paired with perfectly toasted Oak. The grapes are sourced from Shirtail Creek Vineyard in the Central Coast of California.
Check out our quick Chardonnay lesson to learn more about the history, production, and characteristics of this popular wine.