Chardonnay is beloved by winemakers around the world, thanks largely to its ability to thrive and ripen in many climates. And from those grapes, global winemakers create myriad styles. This lineup highlights the impressive results in California, across Sonoma County, Monterey County and beyond. Best of all, each of these wines is priced $30 or less, and most are made in sizable volumes, which should make them easier to find on store shelves.
With more than 43,000 vineyard acres across nine appellations, Monterey produces more Chardonnay than any other California region. Unsurprisingly, it's represented with five wines, here, including three from the Arroyo Seco subappellation in the middle of the county. The nearby Pacific Ocean is a primary influence for this area and provides cool temperatures and frequent winds. Combined with mostly sandy, gravelly, loamy soils (the results of a dry riverbed in the region), these conditions create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay.
This lineup includes Chalone's Chardonnay Chalone 2022, the top scorer, which is a pretty and refined white with juicy citrus and pastry notes. Read on to get our score and tasting note for this California Chardonnay and seven others.
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