chardonnay

noun

char·​don·​nay ˌshär-də-ˈnā 

variants often Chardonnay

: a full-bodied white wine that is known for its complexity, depth of flavor, and capacity to age, that is one of the world's most popular wines, that is notably produced in Burgundy, California, and Australia, and that is used in the production of champagne

also : the grape itself

Examples of chardonnay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its stony soil produces lower yields, but more expressive flavors, especially in chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026

This chardonnay is hand sorted (twice), whole cluster pressed, left to ferment on native yeast and finished with some aging, roughly 18 months in French oak. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Avoid oaky Chardonnays and sweeter whites like Riesling or Moscato. —Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026

Wines lean heavily on chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon, and beers have a mix of local purveyors and macrobreweries. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, a grape variety, probably from Chardonnay, village in the Mâconnais (region surrounding mâcon)

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chardonnay

• montane