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

In the spring, Husher will take part in the major replant of Damiana, the original chardonnay vineyard at the Fogarty estate, as well as a replant of pinot noir in the Rapley Trail Vineyard. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

At happy hour, fresh Marlborough oysters, caviar bumps delivered tableside via trolley cart, and crisp glasses of Central Otago chardonnay flow freely inside the Library Bar. — Michelle Gross, Robb Report, 30 July 2026

Next door at CedarCreek Estate Winery, the Block 5 chardonnay and Block 4 pinot noir have their own cult following, assisted by highland cows that fertilize and stomp the vineyard soil, and a flock of free range chickens that eat the small pests. — Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026

Crafted from an original vineyard block from the winery's founding, composed of pinot noir and chardonnay the blend showcases bright cherry, peach, and orange blossom notes with honeycomb and macadamia flavors. — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 30 June 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