Chardonnay doesn't get any respect. It got to be so hugely popular a couple of decades ago that it almost became a cliche. Wine snobs loved to hate it. "ABC" was the code for anything but Chardonnay. Chardonnay was for ladies who lunched. Ironically, Alanis Morrisette found a black fly in a glass of Chard and had a hit song.

While we love the song, we have no use for the attitudes. They suck the pleasure out of wine, which is 110% a matter or personal taste. If you like Chardonnay, drink it. If you don't, drink what you like. Can't we all just get along?

We appreciate Chardonnay deeply. When we pour it at tastings, people love it. When we don't people ask for it. Far from being  a one-dimensional variety, Chardonnay is made in a variety of styles and comes from many different places. The range in styles makes Chardonnay extremely versatile with food. It's still the most popular varietal in America. 

One of our favorite wine and food writers, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, has written an entertaining and educational essay about Chardonnay for Minnesota Monthly Magazine.  "Chardonnay, Uncorked" is an excerpt from her recently published book: "Drink This:  Wine Made Simple."  Dara breaks down the Chardonnay facts: various styles, where each style tends to be produced and how to serve and drink each style.

She also gives detailed instructions on how to throw a Chardonnay Wine Tasting party. The piece was just nominated for a James Beard Award for Wine Writing.

Highly recommended reading for all Chardonnay lovers out there--and maybe of few of your "ABCers", as well!

Cheers!