Chardonnay is one of the most popular white wine grapes and is used to make a wide range of white wines from light and crisp to full-bodied and oaky. When evaluating a Chardonnay, one of the key characteristics to look for is the color and darkness of the wine. This can give you clues about how the wine was produced and what flavor profile to expect. So how dark should a Chardonnay be?
What Determines Chardonnay’s Color?
There are several factors that influence the color and darkness of Chardonnay wine:
- Grape variety – Chardonnay grapes naturally tend to be more neutral in color compared to other white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Vine age – Older vines tend to produce more concentrated, darker juice.
- Climate and terroir – Cooler climate regions tend to make lighter wines while warmer regions make richer, more golden wines.
- Skin contact – Some winemakers allow extended skin contact, leading to more color extraction.
- Oak aging – Barrel fermentation and aging in new oak barrels imparts color and causes Chardonnay to darken over time.
- Lees contact – Leaving wine to age on the yeast lees increases color intensity.
- Malolactic fermentation – This secondary fermentation enriches mouthfeel and color.
- Blending – Blending in more aromatically neutral grapes like Pinot Blanc can lighten color.
In general, the more techniques used to extract color and richness, the darker the resulting Chardonnay will be. Cool climate Chardonnays tend to be quite light while very oaky, full-bodied Chardonnay can take on a rich golden or even light brown hue. Most lie somewhere in between from pale straw to golden yellow.
Chardonnay Color Characteristics
Here is a more detailed overview of the range of colors that Chardonnay can display:
- Very light straw/yellow – This is characteristic of stainless steel fermented Chardonnay from cool climate regions. The wine has barely any color and reflects the natural neutral grape characteristics.
- Pale straw – Again, more neutral profile but with a bit more depth of color from minor oak influence, lees contact, etc. Still very refreshing and light-bodied.
- Light/medium yellow – This is the color of many entry-level Chardonnays from warmer regions. Moderate intensity but still bright and fresh.
- Golden yellow – Richer, riper Chardonnays take on this hue, which can indicate oak aging, lees contact, and other winemaking techniques.
- Deep golden – At this point, Chardonnay goes from yellow into more amber/golden tones. The wine likely saw extended oak and lees aging.
- Light brown – Very heavily oaked and aged Chardonnays may take on a light brown or dark amber cast. This can divide consumers as too oaky.
As you can see, Chardonnay displays a wide spectrum from very pale to deep golden brown. Most consumers expect a vibrant yellow color – if the wine is too light or too dark, it may be indicative of less than ideal winemaking.
How Color Relates to Style and Taste
The color of Chardonnay gives many visual cues as to the overall style and taste of the wine. Here is what you can generally expect:
| Color | Style | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Very light straw | Minimalist, stainless steel | Crisp, light, high acidity |
| Pale straw | Unoaked | Bright fruit, medium body, refreshing |
| Light/medium yellow | Medium-bodied | Ripe fruit, balanced oak, rounder acidity |
| Golden | Full-bodied | Rich fruit, noticeable oak influence, lower acid |
| Deep golden | Heavy oak, sur lie aging | Tropical fruit, buttery oak, creamy texture |
| Light brown | Extended aging | Muted fruit, heavy toast, caramel notes |
Of course, individual taste preferences vary widely – some people love bold, oaky Chardonnay while others prefer a more restrained style. Using color as a preview can help anchor your expectations before you ever take a sip!
How Does Color Change with Age?
In addition to indicating style and flavor, Chardonnay’s color can provide clues about the age of the wine. Here’s what to look for:
- Very young Chardonnay often has a slight greenish tinge.
- As the wine ages from 1-3 years, it takes on a pure lemon yellow color.
- Aged 3-5 years, the hue shifts towards rich gold.
- After more than 5 years of aging, Chardonnay starts darkening into an amber color.
- Older Chardonnay continues darkening to a brownish orange hue.
While age-related darkening can be seen as detrimental, many wine enthusiasts enjoy the nutty, caramelized flavors that develop in aged, oxidized Chardonnay even if the color suffers. But for the most vibrant fruit flavors, it’s best to consume Chardonnays within the first 1-3 years of production.
How Does Serving Temperature Affect Color?
The visual impression of Chardonnay’s color can also change depending on serving temperature. Here’s how:
- Ice cold dulls aromas but lightens up color.
- Cool cellar temperature (55°F) emphasizes crispness and bright pale hues.
- Moderate chilled (45-50°F) allows more aromas and shows some depth of color.
- Near room temperature (60-65°F) brings out the deepest color along with fuller body.
Warmer serving temperatures enhance the richness and darker hues of Chardonnay. Cooler temperatures make the wine seem lighter and more delicate. For light, crisp Chardonnays, cooler is better, while fuller-styled wines can be served a bit warmer to showcase the deep golden hues.
How Does Glassware Choice Affect Perceived Color?
The glass you use when drinking Chardonnay can also modify the perception of the wine’s color:
- Smaller wine glasses concentrate and deepen the perceived color.
- Large, wide glasses spread out and dilute the color making wines appear paler.
- Clear glasses show true colors while colored/tinted glassware casts a hue over the wine.
- Thinner glass allows more light passage illuminating color while thick glass mutes and obscures it.
To observe the subtle nuances of Chardonnay’s range of hues, opt for a clear, slender white wine glass. But the choice ultimately comes down to individual enjoyment – the “right” glass is the one you like drinking from!
Typical Chardonnay Colors by Region
Although winemaking techniques play a major role, in general Chardonnays from certain regions tend towards characteristic color profiles:
| Region | Typical Chardonnay Color |
|---|---|
| Burgundy, France | Very light, pale |
| Chablis, France | Light straw |
| Champagne, France | Light yellow |
| Sonoma, California | Golden yellow |
| Napa, California | Deep golden |
| Margaret River, Australia | Rich golden |
| Willamette Valley, Oregon | Light-medium yellow |
Of course, individual producers vary, but in broad strokes Chardonnay from Burgundy and Chablis is very light and austere. Fuller, fruit-forward style dominates in Australia and California. Cooler regions like Oregon and Champagne fall somewhere in the middle with moderate color depth.
Conclusion
Chardonnay offers wine drinkers an incredibly diverse range of styles. The color is a great visual clue that allows you to anticipate the wine’s flavor profile and weight. In general, lighter color means more subtle, delicate flavors while deep golden hues signal rich, heavily oaked wines. Most consumers expect Chardonnay to be vibrant yellow – too pale or too brownish may indicate less than ideal winemaking. Try a range of colors and styles to calibrate your personal color preference for Chardonnay. The full spectrum can be appreciated when matched to the right foods and occasions.
