When it comes to Chardonnay, people either seem to be die-hard fans or staunch supporters of the Anything-But-Chardonnay movement. But no matter which side you fall on, you can’t deny this grape’s popularity. After all, it’s one of the most widely-planted varieties in the world.
But Chardonnay haters are missing out. This grape can produce wines that run the gamut from tropical and fruity to flinty and earthy on the palate. It’s also somewhat of a shapeshifter: While it might be controversial, Chardonnay can lend itself well to oak aging, resulting in wines that display vanilla and toasted tones. And if the grape undergoes malolactic fermentation? These wines will typically have a creamy and buttery mouthfeel. In other words, there is a Chardonnay for everyone.
Luckily, you don’t need to spend very much money for an excellent bottle, no matter if you’re just starting to explore the variety or simply want to support a well-developed Chardonnay habit.
Here are (just some of) the best Chardonnays for $20 or less.
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