Spotlight Chardonnay

Sometimes chardonnay is just the first white wine that comes to mind but it is the most popular white wine in America for many reasons.  Firstly it can take on a number of flavors; there is no real set taste or bouquet.  Secondly it can be drunk immediately after being made or aged 5 to 10 years.  This versatile wine is clearly an American favorite because it is unexpected and surprising just like the American spirit.  This white wine goes great with almost anything because of its flexibility. Drier ones go great with lighter savory dishes or heavy savory dishes that need a refreshing light point. The sweeter chardonnay pairs fairly well with sweet things because of the ripe fruity flavor. 

It is possible to host a tasting party of just chardonnay and not even bore the red wine fans that came.  In bacchus white wine glasses can swirl chardonnay that can taste anywhere from semi-sweet to completely dry.  It can also be heady or light and contain flavors like apples, citrus fruit like lemon and orange, melon and oak.  The oak typically develops later when a chardonnay is aged but can be present in new vintages too.

via Rhino Wino