Chardonel (shar-doe-nel) is a classic varietal in Missouri and may sound familiar to wine enthusiasts all over the world. It is a hybrid between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc grapes. Depending on how it was aged, this tasty varietal may have the butteriness of Chardonnay or the crispness of Seyval Blanc.

In 1953, the Chardonel grape was developed at Cornell AgriTech. The fruits were observed for the first time in 1958 and then later propagated. Cornell described this varietal as ‘vigorous and productive [with] large clusters’ (“Chardonel” Grape, n.d.). Chardonel was officially released in 1990 and now accounts for 7.2% of acres of grapes in Missouri.

Chardonel can be enjoyed by itself, but it is phenomenal when paired with various foods. The next time you pour a glass of this hybrid wine, try it with Gouda, grilled chicken, bass, a cream sauce pasta or even a scoop of bread pudding. 

If you are looking to utilize this wine in a recipe, we highly recommend the Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese - it is oh-so-easy. 

This varietal is not only outstanding but also award-winning. The Montelle Winery 2022 Chardonel was the 2023 Missouri Wine Competition’s Best Chardonel. This wine has aromas of apple, pear, and fig with a medium body and lingering finish. 

Whether you want a buttery or a crisp finish, Chardonel has an original taste that cannot be forgotten. When shopping for your next bottle of wine, make sure you grab a Missouri Chardonel. 

SOURCE:

“Chardonel” Grape. (n.d.). Www.hort.cornell.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.hort.cornell.edu/reisch/grapegenetics/bulletin/chardonel.html#:~:text=