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Chardonnay is one of the world's most versatile white grapes, producing styles ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and oak-aged. It is grown in nearly every major wine region.
Rosé Champagne is sparkling wine from Champagne with a pink colour, made by blending still red Champagne wine into white base wines or by macerating black grapes. Most bottles taste dry; check the sweetness category on the label.
Both are white Champagnes: Blanc de Blancs uses white grapes, usually Chardonnay; Blanc de Noirs uses Pinot Noir, Meunier or both. The first can feel citrus-led and fine, the second broader and fruitier, though bottles overlap.
Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made only from white-skinned grapes, usually Chardonnay. It often tastes fresh and citrus-led, though origin, winemaking and age can make it richer.
Pinot Noir is the best all-round match: its fresh red fruit and gentle tannins suit mushrooms’ savoury, earthy flavour. Try Chardonnay with cream or Gamay for a lighter red alternative.
Beaujolais is a wine region north of Lyon, known for dry Gamay reds with bright fruit and fresh acidity. Styles range from youthful Beaujolais Nouveau to the 10 crus, including fragrant Fleurie and more structured Morgon.
Choose a fresh, medium-bodied red for steak and ale pie, textured Chardonnay for creamy chicken and mushroom, and dry sparkling wine or fresh Chardonnay for fish pie. For blue cheese, try Sauternes or sweet Chenin Blanc.
Pinot Grigio, also called Pinot Gris, makes whites ranging from crisp pear-and-citrus styles to rich, spiced wines. Northern Italy and Alsace are famous sources, offering refreshing everyday bottles and textured wines for food.
Savoie is a small, scattered wine region in eastern France, best known for crisp Jacquère whites, aromatic Altesse and peppery Mondeuse reds, often shaped by Alpine slopes and cool conditions.
Both are French appellations known for dry, fresh white wines. White Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc; Chablis is Chardonnay. Sancerre often has more herbal or floral lift, while Chablis may feel more restrained and savoury.
Off-dry Chenin Blanc is our best all-round recommendation for pumpkin. For specific dishes, try Chardonnay with roasted pumpkin, off-dry Riesling with pumpkin pancakes, textured Pinot Grigio with gnocchi and Pinot Noir with savoury spiced pumpkin.
Chablis is Chardonnay, so they are not opposing wines. Chablis is a specific regional expression of Chardonnay from northern Burgundy; explore the broader world of Chardonnay for everything from similarly crisp wines to richer, oakier expressions.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape known for apple, pear, citrus and honeyed flavours. It is grown especially in France’s Loire Valley and South Africa, producing dry, sparkling and sweet wines.
Second Glass
Second Glass writes about wine. Please confirm you are old enough to view alcohol-related content in your location.
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