A little reason to celebrate
Chardonnay Day
Drink ยท The Thursday before the last Monday in May
Chardonnay Day honors the green-skinned grape and the white wine made from it, from crisp and lean styles to rich, buttery ones.
Chardonnay Day falls on Thursday, May 27, 2027. That is 212 days away.
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape and the white wine made from it. It has roots in Burgundy, in eastern France, and is now grown in many wine regions, including California. The day falls on the Thursday before the last Monday in May, and it gives the grape a turn in the spotlight.
What makes chardonnay interesting is how much it changes depending on who makes it. The grape itself is fairly neutral, so the winemaker and the place do a lot of the talking. Grown somewhere cool and kept in steel tanks, it can taste of green apple and lemon, lean and bright. Aged in oak barrels, it picks up notes of vanilla and toast. A process called malolactic fermentation softens its acidity and can give the wine that buttery quality people either love or politely avoid.
It also turns up in places people might not expect. Chardonnay is one of the main grapes used in Champagne, and sparkling wines labeled blanc de blancs are often made entirely from it.
A good way to mark the day is a side by side tasting. Pour a small glass of an unoaked bottle next to an oaked one and notice the difference in color, smell and texture. The oaked one is usually a deeper gold. Chardonnay tends to pair well with roast chicken, seafood, corn and creamy pasta, so dinner can do some of the work.
For those who skip alcohol, a chardonnay grape juice or a plate of green grapes and soft cheese keeps the spirit of the thing. Either way, the grape that started it all is a small, round, pale green fruit that looks like nothing special on the vine.
Ways to celebrate
- Taste an oaked and an unoaked chardonnay side by side.
- Cook roast chicken or a creamy pasta to pair with a glass.
- Look for a blanc de blancs sparkling wine at a local shop.
- Try white grape juice with soft cheese for an alcohol-free version.
- Share your favorite food pairing with friends.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, May 21 |
| 2027 | Thursday, May 27 |
| 2028 | Thursday, May 25 |
| 2029 | Thursday, May 24 |
| 2030 | Thursday, May 23 |
Also on May 27
Categories: Drink days