Columbia Valley Chardonnay. Photo: Gordon Brothers

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Chardonnay is one of the most-planted wine grapes in the world (second in whites only to Arien, a Spanish variety, according to Jancis Robinson's "Oxford Companion to Wine"). The grape behind both crisp, acidic Chablis and rich, creamy California Chards can be made into some of the most expensive (Champagne) and least expensive (Two-Buck Chuck) vinos in the world.

As with people, Chardonnay is full of surprises.

After the jump, five Chardonnays under $15 that showcase the grape's full range of flavors -- and a question for my fellow oenophiles.




Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs NV, Washington ($12): Blanc de Blancs means "white of whites": It's made entirely of Chardonnay instead of a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Blanc de Blancs is lighter and more delicate, the feminine to the more masculine Blanc de Noirs. At Ste. Michelle, it's also drier.

Albert Bichot Bourgogne Blanc 2006, Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy ($18): I love this type of wine in the summer: Fresh and fruity with a hint of creaminess, the wine is subtle and understated rather than boisterous and overbearing. There might be some oak, but it's so well-integrated that it's barely noticeable, like a perfectly spiced soup that you can't even tell has been salted.

Down Under by Crane Lake Chardonnay 2008, Australia ($5): Fred Franzia of Two Buck Chuck fame has a new project: Undercut the Yellow Tails and other major Australian brands with his Down Under series (even as he's being sued by them). With its environmentally-friendly lightweight bottle, recycled cork and recycled-paper label, the wine already feels like a winner, but it takes the cake with fresh, bright, crisp, highly drinkable wine at a price tag you cannot turn your nose up at.

Gordon Brothers Chardonnay 2007, Columbia Valley ($15): Quite buttery with grilled-pineapple flavors, the Gordon Brothers is the quintessential fruit-forward, oak-laced Chardonnay that millions of drinkers have come to love.

Montes Chardonnay 2007, Curico Valley, Chile: ($12) Another classic New World style, this is a big vino in every sense -- loads of fruit, high acidity and plenty of oak. Personally I like the more austere, un-oaked styles, but this wine is well-made by a respected Chilean producer and is a good value for the price.

Finally, a question. Sometimes when I write magazine articles they interview me for the contributor's page, and I have to answer silly beauty pageant-esque questions like "If you were an M&M, what color would you be and why?"

Recently I was asked, "What's your dream wine?" I couldn't answer because I have a huge list of "dream wines" from rare vintage Champagne to uber-expensive Burgundy. So I'm passing the buck: What's your dream wine?