Wines You’ll Like If You Drink Chardonnay

Wines You’ll Like If You Drink Chardonnay

A simple guide to wines you’ll enjoy if you usually drink Chardonnay.

When it comes to the most recognised wines, Chardonnay has to be up there. It’s one of the most popular white grape varieties out there, along with Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, and maybe even one of the most versatile. 

Chardonnay can be used to make crisp, bright and acidic wines as much as it can be oaked to create big, buttery bottles of white wine. Not only that, but it’s also one of the primary grape varieties used to make Champagne and sparkling wine. 

There’s a style of Chardonnay to suit every palette, so it’s no surprise it’s such a popular wine. But, if you’re a fan of Chardonnay and often find yourself ordering glass after glass whenever you’re at a bar or restaurant – or don’t ever make it past the Chardonnay section at your local supermarket, I’m here to help.

There’s nothing wrong with having your favourite wine – we all have them! But sometimes it’s nice to branch out a bit. And I’m here to help you find the best alternative white wines to Chardonnay.

What Chardonnay actually tastes like

Chardonnay is often described as one of the most versatile and expressive white grapes in the world. Chardonnay is a bit of a chameleon – it can be oaked, unoaked, used in sparkling wines, and more – it’s a real product of its environment and can really vary depending on climate and how it’s aged.

In its purest, unoaked form, Chardonnay is crisp and bright, packed with notes of green apple, fresh pear, and citrus peel. When it is oaked, it transforms into something much richer, taking on luxurious flavours of vanilla, butter, baked apple, and toasted brioche.

It is generally medium-bodied with a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. Because of its two distinct personalities, it can pair with everything from light seafood and creamy pasta dishes to a full Sunday roast chicken.

Depending on where it’s from and how it’s made, Chardonnay leans completely differently:

• Chablis (France): Beautifully crisp, ultra-dry, and light-bodied, with high acidity and a distinct, stony, or ‘flinty’ edge.
• California or Australia: Big, bold, and full-bodied, with rich tropical fruit notes, lots of creamy vanilla, and a distinct buttery finish from oak ageing.
• South Africa or Chile: Often sits beautifully right in the middle, offering bright, sun-ripened yellow fruits with just a subtle, elegant touch of oak texture.

The beauty of Chardonnay is its versatility – once you identify whether you prefer its crisp, unoaked side or its rich, buttery side, you have the perfect starting point for exploring other incredible wines that match your exact palate.

The best Chardonnay alternatives to try next

Since Chardonnay can taste like two completely different wine styles depending on how it’s made, finding a great alternative is all about matching the specific bottle to the style you love. Whether you lean toward a zesty pour or a deeply rich, comforting white, these four alternative wines to Chardonnay offer a brilliant entry point into something fresh.

Chablis

Chablis is a type of Chardonnay from North of Burgundy, France. It’s named after the town it’s from – Chablis. While it’s still 100% Chardonnay, because it is grown in a cool climate and aged almost entirely in stainless steel tanks rather than toasted oak barrels, it’s completely different in profile. Crisp, bone-dry, and light, with sharp green apple and intense citrus flavours, backed by a clean, stony finish.

Why it works: It’s still Chardonnay, just stripped entirely of oak. Try this if you usually prefer a crisp, unoaked style of wine.

White Burgundy

White Burgundy (Bourgogne Blanc) comes from the broader Burgundy region in France and is also made from 100% Chardonnay. However, depending on the specific village it comes from, it can really vary in flavour – from fresh, bright, and fruity to incredibly rich, complex, and oaked. It offers a beautiful balance of ripe yellow fruit, a rounded texture, and subtle notes of hazelnut or toasted brioche.

Why it works: It reveals the ultimate versatile side of the grape. Look for bottles from Mâcon or regional ‘Bourgogne Blanc’ if you like it unoaked, or Meursault if you love a rich, oaked style.

Viognier

Mainly grown in France’s Rhône Valley, as well as sunny regions across Australia and South Africa, Viognier is a perfect swap for anyone who loves a truly bold white wine. It stands out for its intensely aromatic profile, bursting with notes of ripe peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. It has a naturally lower acidity, which gives it a velvety, voluptuous texture that wraps around the palate – and it just so happens to be one of my favourite white wines.

Why it works: It matches that same luxurious, weighty texture without relying entirely on oak barrels. Try this if your go-to is a big, buttery, oaked Chardonnay.

Godello

Hailing from the coastal valleys of Galicia, in North West Spain, Godello still feels like a bit of a well-kept secret. But it’s popping up more and more on menus, and I think it’ll have a big moment very soon. It sits right in the middle of the white wine spectrum – both textured, slightly creamy, while retaining a brilliant, mouth-watering wave of fresh, mineral acidity.

Why it works: It’s got the weight and citrus notes of a premium French Chardonnay, but with Spanish coastal influence. Try this if you love a textured but completely unoaked Chardonnay.

How to choose your next wine

Stepping outside of your Chardonnay comfort zone might seem daunting, but it’s quite an easy swap to make once you start. Begin by thinking about the specific flavours, textures and weight you enjoy most. Use your favourite bottle as a starting point. If you prefer a crisp and acidic Chardonnay, look to a Godello or Chablis. If you’re all about buttery Chardonnays, then pick up a Viognier next. And for something in the middle, White Burgundy is your best bet.

Don’t worry about finding an identical twin to your favourite Chardonnay. Instead, look for bottles that share a similar DNA – giving you enough familiar comfort to feel confident in your choice, while introducing a few exciting new flavours to your glass. Branching out isn’t about replacing your go-to Chardonnay; it’s about expanding your palate so you always know exactly what to order next, no matter what the wine list (or wine aisle) throws at you.

More tips for beginners

If you’re not sure where to begin, start here.