Value Chardonnay
2009 Four Vines Naked ($13)
No oak (hence, "naked") gets in the way of this wine's bright, pineappley flavors.
Pairing: Smoked-Trout Salad with Mustard Dressing
Photo © Antonis Achilleos.
1 of 11
2009 Chehalem INOX ($17)
This unoaked Chardonnay, which brims with lemon, lime and green pear, is an excellent value.
2 of 11
2009 Boomtown ($13)
Boomtown, a less-pricey label of Walla Walla's Dusted Valley vintners, makes impressive Washington state wines. This pear-scented white is among its best bottlings.
Pairing: Baby Greens with Cider Vinaigrette
3 of 11
2009 Foxglove ($12)
The '07 vintage of this apricot-inflected, graceful white from California's Central Coast won our 2009 F&W American Wine Award for Best Chardonnay Under $20. The delicious '09 is a worthy follow-up.
Pairing: Shrimp-and-Corn Bisque
4 of 11
2009 Beaulieu Vineyard Chardonnay ($16)
Made in a toasty, ripe style, this Chardonnay is part of Beaulieu’s Napa Valley Collection.
Pairing: Crab Cakes with Horseradish Cream
5 of 11
2010 Husch Vineyards Mendocino Chardonnay ($15)
Husch ages only 15 percent of this Chardonnay in new oak barrels, which helps give its crisp, intense flavors remarkable clarity.
Pairing: Yucatán-Spiced Chicken
6 of 11
2009 Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay ($17)
Made without oak in a fruity style, with pear and apple notes.
7 of 11
2010 Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay ($13)
If it weren’t for its bright acidity, this juicy, citrus-and-pineapple Chardonnay would seem flabby; instead, it’s sprightly and appealing.
Pairing: North African Fish Stew
8 of 11
2009 Patianna ($17)
This peach-inflected Chardonnay comes from California's Anderson Valley. The winery farms all of its vineyards organically, with resident chickens taking care of any pests among the vine rows.
9 of 11
2009 Bota Box ($19)
This lightly oaked, appley Chardonnay from California comes in boxes made from recycled cardboard printed with eco- friendly soy inks.
Pairing: Fennel Mussels with Piquillo Rouille
