As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that there is no such thing as a red Chardonnay wine. Chardonnay is a white grape variety, and it doesn't exist in a red version. The color of a wine is primarily determined by the color of the grape skins, and Chardonnay grapes have greenish-white skins, resulting in the production of white wines.
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and versatile grape varieties in the world, known for its ability to showcase the characteristics of the terroir and winemaking techniques. It is typically associated with producing elegant and complex white wines that exhibit flavors of green apple, citrus, melon, and often have a creamy texture.
The grape itself is believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France, where it is still highly revered today. Over time, Chardonnay has been successfully cultivated in various wine regions across the globe, including California, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
While there are many variations and styles of Chardonnay wines, ranging from unoaked and crisp to heavily oaked and buttery, they all share a common characteristic of being white wines. The grape's genetic makeup simply does not allow for the production of red wines.
It's important to note that the color of a wine is determined by the skin contact during the winemaking process. In the case of red wines, the grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation, which extracts the color and tannins from the skins, resulting in the characteristic red hue. For white wines like Chardonnay, the grape skins are typically separated from the juice before fermentation, resulting in a wine with little to no color.
While there are some white grape varieties that can produce red wines, such as Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay is not one of them. It is exclusively known for its production of white wines.
If you come across a wine labeled as a red Chardonnay, it is likely a misnomer or a marketing ploy. Chardonnay is a white grape variety, and it doesn't produce red wines. So, when it comes to Chardonnay, stick to enjoying its exquisite white wine expressions and explore the diverse range of flavors and styles it has to offer.