Chardonnay Pairings

Half the wine for this white is aged in stainless steel, which focuses its tangerine-lime flavors.

Pairing: Roast Chicken with Tangerines

The winery's buttery, generously oaked top white is more vibrant than usual, thanks to a cool summer in 2010.

Pairing: Salmon Rillettes

De Morgenzon makes one of South Africa's greatest Chenin Blancs, and some stellar bargains under its DMZ label. This oaky, lively Chardonnay is a top pick.

Pairing: Asparagus and Bok-Choy Frittata

A secret to this tropical-inflected Chardonnay's lively, juicy flavors—and its low price—is no oak aging.

Pairing: Smoked-Trout Salad with Mustard Dressing

A ripely styled Chardonnay for the cool Adelaide Hills region, this white is loaded with citrus and nectarine.

Pairing: Squid in Tamarind Brown Butter with Green Mango

Montagny is a subzone of the Côte Challonnaise region in Burgundy, a source of strong values—like this juicy, green apple-driven bottling.

Pairing: Buttery Crab Bread Pudding

A full-bodied white such as a Chardonnay from California will be delightful with the crab. Try to find one that isn't too oaky—just full of the taste of ripe fruit like Noble Vines' tropical bottling.

Pairing: Crab Cakes with Horseradish Cream

One of the most popular Chardonnays in America, KJ’s Vintner’s Reserve also happens to be remarkably good: rich without being fat, with ripe apricot and citrus notes.

Pairing: Salmon Steaks with Curried Fennel-Wine Sauce

There’s a sneaky intensity to this masterful Chardonnay, which comes from a hillside vineyard in the Arroyo Grande Valley area.

Pairing: Chicken Dijon