Chardonnay
Chardonnay at T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor in Brandon, Mississippi: what it is, how to choose it, and the brands on our shelf.
Chardonnay tastes like where it grew and how it was made. The grape itself is neutral, which is why one bottle is lean and citrusy and the next is buttery and rich.
How to choose
Oak or no oak? Barrels add vanilla, toast and baking spice, and soften the texture. Stainless steel leaves the wine crisp, with apple, pear, lemon and a mineral finish. Words like barrel fermented and reserve usually mean the richer style; Chablis, unoaked and steel mean the leaner one.
The buttery part is not oak. That comes from malolactic fermentation, which turns sharp malic acid into soft lactic acid. Producers can allow it fully, partly or not at all.
Climate is a clue. Cool regions such as Chablis, Oregon and coastal New Zealand lean crisp. Warmer regions lean ripe. Under 13 percent alcohol tends to be lighter, over 14 percent richer.
Food. Unoaked with oysters, shrimp, goat cheese and salads. Oaked with roast chicken, lobster, chowder and anything creamy.
Serving. 50 to 55 degrees. Too cold and the oak mutes to nothing.
Brands on our shelf
- A to Z
- Apothic
- Barefoot
- Black Box
- Black Stallion
- Bogle
- Bonanza
- Bota Box
- Bread & Butter
- Clos du Bois
- Conundrum
- Coppola
- Cupcake
- Dark Horse
- Davis Bynum
- Decoy
- FitVine
- Franciscan
- Franzia
- Gnarly Head
- Hahn
- J Vineyards
- J. Lohr
- Joel Gott
- Josh
- Kali Hart
- Kendall-Jackson
- La Crema
- La Vieille Ferme
- Louis Jadot
- Meiomi
- Ménage à Trois
- Mirassou
- Murphy-Goode
- Oyster Bay
- Pouilly-Fuissé
- Rodney Strong
- Rombauer
- Seaglass
- Sonoma-Cutrer
- Sutter Home
- Tattoo Girl
- Twenty Acres
- Wente
- William Hill
- Woodbridge
- yellow tail
- 14 Hands
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Common questions
- What is chardonnay?
- Chardonnay is a white grape variety that can produce lean, mineral wine or a fuller style shaped by oak and malolactic fermentation. Because the grape is adaptable, region and winemaking choices matter greatly.
- What is the difference between oaked and unoaked chardonnay?
- Oaked chardonnay can gain toast, spice and a broader texture from barrel contact. Unoaked chardonnay is commonly fermented or aged in stainless steel or neutral vessels, keeping the focus on fruit and acidity.
- What food goes with chardonnay?
- Crisp unoaked chardonnay suits seafood, salads and lighter dishes. Fuller oak-aged chardonnay can match roast chicken, richer fish, cream sauces and buttery preparations because its texture carries more weight.
- Does T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor carry chardonnay?
- Yes. T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor carries chardonnay at 237 Orleans Way, Suite B, Brandon, Mississippi. Browse the brand names on this page, then call (769) 348-0006 to confirm a specific bottle before you drive in.