Australia’s generous oaked Chardonnays first won international success, but winemaking styles have evolved. Today, winemakers across Australia produce a variety of unique, terroir-driven expressions of Chardonnay.

• Victoria is home to 65 designated wine regions and over 50 wineries.
• From maritime to Mediterranean, continental and sub-alpine climates, and diverse topography, Victoria provides a variety of styles of Chardonnay.
• Winemakers across Victoria have access to unique terroir.

Victoria is home to the most-planted white grape, Chardonnay, and 21 diverse wine regions. Among these regions, several Chardonnay hotspots stand out. In northeast Victoria, the tiny region of Beechworth punches well above its weight in terms of world-class Chardonnay. Giaconda has recently grabbed headlines thanks to a succession of 100-point scores for its Chardonnay, which was named top white wine in the world in Vinous magazine.

1. Beechworth has a true continental climate with warm to hot days and cool nights, and high elevation.
2. The decomposed granite and clay soil in Beechworth is believed to grow great Chardonnay.
3. Wines from Beechworth retain a reasonable acidity and minerality, with good balance and length.

“Impressive presence and depth on the palate, with delicious toastiness – honey and lemon curd on toast – with tense, nervy acidity and a finish that goes on and on.”
— Rick Kinzbrunner, Giaconda winemaker

Victoria is home to the Macedon Ranges, Australia’s coolest mainland wine region, with vineyards at 300-800m. The mix of sandstone, shale, granitic and volcanic soils here give wines of exceptional purity and mineral character, exemplified by Bindi’s Quartz Chardonnay.

The regions of Mornington Peninsula and Geelong sit on opposite sides of Port Philip Bay, south of Melbourne. The latter is known for its rich, long-lived styles of Chardonnay, from top boutique producers such as By Farr. In Mornington, which is surrounded by water on three sides, no vineyard site is further than 7km from the ocean.

Bass Phillip, in Gippsland, produces Chardonnays that are similar to Burgundy wines, while the region of Gippsland as a whole is characterized by microclimates and low yields, allowing specific sites to shine.

Here are eight top Victoria Chardonnays to try:

1. Bass Phillip, Premium Chardonnay, Gippsland, Victoria 2022
2. Giaconda Estate Vineyard, Beechworth, Victoria 2022
3. Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2023
4. Paringa Estate, Estate Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria 2023
5. Patrick Sullivan, Baw Baw Chardonnay, Gippsland, Victoria 2023
6. Polperro, Talland Hill Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria 2023
7. Savaterre, Chardonnay, Beechworth, Victoria 2022

These wines showcase the diversity and quality of Victoria’s Chardonnay. From the region of Beechworth to the Yarra Valley and Gippsland, each wine is unique and expressive of its terroir.

Try these wines and discover the bold explorations of Victoria’s next-generation winemakers. Explore Inland Victoria, which is Australia’s treasure trove of diversity.

Definitions

Characterized by warm to hot days and cool nights, continental climate Chardonnay is grown in regions with this type of climate, such as Beechworth and Yarra Valley.

Characterized by cool temperatures and high altitudes, cool-climate Chardonnay is grown in regions with this type of climate, such as the Yarra Valley.

Characterized by warm and sunny days, Mediterranean climate Chardonnay is grown in regions with this type of climate, such as the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong.

Characterized by a true continental climate, decomposed granite and clay soil, and high elevation, Beechworth Chardonnay is known for its impressive presence and depth on the palate, with delicious toastiness.

Terroir refers to the unique combination of environmental factors that affect the flavor and character of a wine, such as soil, climate, and topography.

Decomposed granite and clay soil are believed to be responsible for the great Chardonnay grown in Beechworth, providing a unique structure for the wine.

Highlights

• Giaconda Estate Vineyard, Beechworth, Victoria 2022
• Savaterre, Chardonnay, Beechworth, Victoria 2022

Aussie Chardonnay: A World of Flavors

Australian Chardonnay has evolved over the years, with winemakers now producing a variety of unique and terroir-driven expressions of the grape.

Aussie Chardonnay is a world of flavors, with each region and winemaker offering a unique take on the classic grape.

From the regions of Beechworth and Yarra Valley to the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland, each wine is a reflection of the terroir and the winemaker’s skill.

So, whether you prefer a continental climate Chardonnay or a cool-climate Chardonnay, there’s a style of Aussie Chardonnay to suit your taste.

Key Points

• Aussie Chardonnay has evolved over the years, with winemakers now producing a variety of unique and terroir-driven expressions of the grape.
• Victoria is home to 65 designated wine regions and over 50 wineries.
• From maritime to Mediterranean, continental and sub-alpine climates, and diverse topography, Victoria provides a variety of styles of Chardonnay.
• Beechworth Chardonnay is characterized by a true continental climate, decomposed granite and clay soil, and high elevation.
• Terroir refers to the unique combination of environmental factors that affect the flavor and character of a wine, such as soil, climate, and topography.

Conclusion

Aussie Chardonnay is a world of flavors, with each region and winemaker offering a unique take on the classic grape.