The Best California Chardonnay Is Our Go To White Wine Under $30
Chardonnay is the world’s most popular white wine and is one of the leading varietals sold in the United States. There’s nothing like a crisp glass of Chardonnay while dining al fresco, or streaming on the couch. Although its origins are from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France, it is now grown wherever wine is produced. It is the most widely planted grape varietal in all of California.
Not only is the golden juice popular because its grapes are easy to grow, but it is also praised for its delicious flavor profile. So here’s how to pick a good Chardonnay: For starters, Familiarize yourself with the variance. There are two different styles of Chardonnay wine: Oak-aged, which brings a creamy and rich flavor, and Un-oaked that is notably light, sweet and refreshing. Oaked Chardonnay is grown in warm climate regions like Napa Valley, while unoaked does better in cooler climate regions like Sonoma. Raeburn Winery of Sonoma County is our go to for California Chardonnay wine. Hailing from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, is where some of California wine country’s best known and most beloved varietals earn their rep. The cool, marine-influenced region embraces the versatile grape that is hand-picked at dawn from the vineyards to maintain ideal brix level.
Their Russian River Valley Chardonnay involves fresh layers of green apple, and pear accented by a creamy richness. The result, a balanced and elegant finish that pairs well with seafood, or any light meat, as well as soft cheese and grilled vegetables. It is like the classic nod to the classic Chardonnay, elegant and expressive with intense fruit character, creaminess and toasty vanilla. We call it a near-foolproof crowdpleaser and a fantastic under $30 wine pick.