Food to pair with chardonnay
We love a chardy, and we love how it comes in a range of delicious forms that can be paired with a heap of delicious foods to boot. Here’s a few suggestions on what we’re matching up to each classic style.
Lighter chardonnay
Oysters
Grilled shrimp or chicken with a citrus vinaigrette
Grilled or roasted vegetables with a creamy dip
Lighter, brighter chardonnay (we’re talking about your unoaked, fresh Chablis style chard) is best matched up with lighter brighter bites, but considering the body of the wine, you don’t need to go as light as you might think. Our top picks would be fresh white fish or fresh shellfish (oysters with a splash of lemon juice are a big tick), and grilled prawns with a fresh citrus sauce will also be a winner too. Vietnamese-style chicken salad is also a great pairing if you’re feeling something more substantial too.
Medium-bodied chardonnay
Roast chicken with herbs and garlic
Grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce
Grilled or roasted pork tenderloin with apple chutney
For medium-bodied chardonnay (we’re talking that restrained, cool-climate classic Yarra Valley style that’s seen some oak and full or partial MLF) look for dishes with a bit more depth to match the body - we’re tipping a classic, herby roast chook or grilled salmon with roast potatoes. It can go either heavier or lighter though - it’s not too heavy for a caesar salad, but also has that structure to match up with bigger proteins, like roast pork tenderloin.
Full-bodied chardonnay
Lobster or crab with garlic butter
Barbecue pork ribs
Creamy, cheesy dishes like pumpkin risotto, carbonara, or mac and cheese
Those heavy hitting chards from warmer climes like Margs River have that classic stone-fruited, oak-influenced and buttery profile that makes for a bigger wine that loves bigger flavours to compare and contrast against. We’re talking about lobster in a rich, garlic butter sauce, or pork ribs fresh of the grill with lashing of BBQ sauce. And those big, creamy, cheesy dishes are it’s forte - carbonara especially, but it’ll go great with pumpkin risotto or mac and cheese if you’re looking for something meat free.
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