By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
The Origins of Chardonnay
Chardonnay, everyone has heard of Chardonnay and is known for its love/hate relationship. The grape’s history can be traced to Burgundy, France. It is considered a noble grape (the others include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling) and was “born” through a natural crossing between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Known as a chameleon grape, it can produce wines that are crisp and mineral driven as in Chablis to a rich, buttery wine in warmer climates.
Chardonnay became Chardon”YEAH” after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Chateau Montelena shocked the wine world by winning the top prize for white wines against the well known Burgundian wines in a blind tasting.
Being the diverse grape that it is, Chardonnay can grow anywhere, however it thrives in cooler climates where it is allowed to maintain its bright acidity and elegance. See our 10 Chardonnay wineries in Downtown Paso Robles.
The Rise of the “Butter Bomb”
The 1980s and 90s were more than just great music, these two decades were the hayday for the creation of the “butter bomb” Chardonnay. Winemakers began creating these rich, creamy wines through the combination of malolactic fermentation and aging the wine in new French oak barrels.
Malolactic fermentation softens a wine by converting the tart malic acid (green apple) into smoother lactic acid (cream.) This process produces a buttery texture. Combined with aging wine in new French oak barrels adds vanilla to the wine’s profile, you get what is known as the classic California “butter bomb.”
For a good two decades, this style is what dominated the shelves, but eventually, oenophiles rebelled. This led to the term “ABC,” Anything But Chardonnay. These wine lovers demanded a more fresh, crisp Chardonnay.
Sibling Rivalry? Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc (Not Really)
There may not be a sibling rivalry between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, since they don’t share genetics, but they do share a French origin and global popularity. According to Decanter Magazine, Chardonnay is the second most planted white grape variety in the world, followed by Sauvingon Blanc. Chardonnay is best known for its Burgundian roots, while Sauvignon Blanc hails from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux.
Although their popularity may be a battle for the ages, their flavor profile could not be more different. Sauvignon Blanc is zippy and fresh, with bright notes of citrus, green apple, and sometimes grassy or herbal tones. Chardonnay is a chameleon—ranging from crisp and mineral (like in Chablis) to rich and buttery (as found in many California styles).
Depending on the style of Chardonnay in your glass, you can pair it with anything from butter drowned lobster to oysters, while Sauvignon Blanc lends itself more towards goat cheese or grilled asparagus.
May Celebrations: Chardonnay Day & Sauvignon Blanc Day
May is a month for white wine lovers! Sauvignon Blanc Day has two different days (May 2 or May 6) kicks things off the beginning of May, followed by Chardonnay Day on the Thursday before Memorial Day (May 22 in 2025). Celebrate both by hosting a fun wine tasting showdown—grab a few bottles of each grape from different regions (think California – {Paso Robles, of course!}, France, New Zealand), pour blind, and let the guessing begin!
Compare flavor profiles, vote for favorites, and pair with cheeses like goat cheese for Sauvignon Blanc and Brie for Chardonnay. It’s a delicious way to explore two iconic wines and maybe settle the debate—zesty or buttery? Grab a few bottles of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, invite some friends over, and host your own white wine showdown. Don’t forget to share your favorites and tag us on social—let’s celebrate these iconic grapes together!
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
