chardonnay

noun

char·​don·​nay ˌshär-də-ˈnā How to pronounce chardonnay (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Speaking of rocking, Rogstad really rocked it with the entire Cuvaison lineup of chardonnays, which range from barrel-fermented to those done in concrete barrels. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025 Also new this season is the 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut ($89), produced using the traditional méthode champenoise from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 According to Clothier, next year’s vintage will comprise grenache, chardonnay, riesling and carignan grapes. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2025 Buellton, California Just north of Santa Barbara and about 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Ynez Valley, Buellton has a mild climate that's well-suited to producing pinot noir and chardonnay wines. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chardonnay

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chardonnay was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Chardonnay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chardonnay. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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