Wine of the Week: Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a very versatile grape, growing well in regions ranging from warmer climates, like those of Australia, to the cooler Russian River Valley in Sonoma. Chardonnay is believed to trace back to the Burgundy region of France, where it remains the dominant white-wine grape, and the second most widely planted grape in the country.

Relatively easy to grow and a top pick for many palates, Chardonnay can be laced with tropical-fruit notes (as with New World Chardonnay) or minerals (more so with Chablis), depending on where it's grown. Even within the state of California are varied tastes, from Sonoma in the North to the Santa Rita Hills area along the Central Coast.

Here are five Chardonnays I've recently sipped and enjoyed. And at a price point of under $12, they keep in line with any New Year's resolutions to save money.
2007 Liberty School Central Coast (California) Chardonnay ($12):
With white-peach notes, this Chard fits into the sweet category yet the dry finish balances it out.

2008 Fairhills South Africa Chardonnay ($10):
This is a bright, punch-y kind of wine with a floral nose, acidic structure and a lime finish -- so much so that in a blind tasting it might be mistaken for a Sauvignon Blanc. As a bonus, the Chardonnay is Fair Trade certified, which ensures the grape growers and grape pickers were paid a living wage.

2008 Wily Jack California Chardonnay ($8):
Its floral nose sails into a clean profile, with lemongrass notes developing into a long, bright finish.

2008 Motos Liberty California Chardonnay ($9):
There's a bit of effervescence in this wine, and that extra oomph would pair well with a light pasta dish (without a creamy or tomato-based sauce). It's very balanced, with ripe white-peach notes and a light, delicate structure.

2007 McWilliams Hanwood Estate South Eastern Australia Chardonnay ($12):
Of the five Chardonnays, this is the best candidate for pairing with food. Expect juicy apples on the nose, and a crisp, herbaceous finish with a hint of lemon or orange.