On International Chardonnay Day, we celebrate the world’s most iconic white grape and highlight its journey and unique expression in Portugal.
Chardonnay is one of the most admired grape varieties worldwide — known for its versatility and remarkable ability to adapt to different winemaking styles and terroirs. Originally from Burgundy, it is the foundation of legendary wines like Chablis (always 100% Chardonnay), the great whites of the Côte de Beaune (like Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet), and one of the classic varieties used in Champagne, especially in refined Blanc de Blancs.
Beyond France, however, Chardonnay has found a new home in Portugal — a stage to showcase its elegance, freshness, and complexity.
Though Portugal is best known for its native grape varieties, Chardonnay has been embraced by winemakers and consumers alike. It has given rise to small-batch wines of high quality, often released as limited editions that stand out in the market.
The grape is found in several regions, with stronger expression in Beira Interior, Lisbon and Trás-os-Montes, and increasing presence in Alentejo and the Setúbal Peninsula.
Climate Shapes Character
Portugal’s diverse climate has a direct impact on the style of Chardonnay wines, allowing for a wide range of profiles — from fresh and mineral to rich and tropical:
Atlantic and Atlantic-Mediterranean Climates
Regions like Lisbon, Bairrada and parts of Dão enjoy maritime influence, with moderate temperatures and higher rainfall. These conditions favour fresher Chardonnays, with crisp acidity, notes of green apple, citrus and minerality — often compared to Burgundian classics. They are ideal for early drinking or as a base for sparkling wines.
Continental and Mediterranean Climates
In warmer and drier areas such as Alentejo, Beira Interior and Trás-os-Montes, grapes achieve fuller ripeness, resulting in richer wines with lower acidity, higher alcohol and ripe fruit aromas like peach, mango and pineapple. These styles often involve barrel fermentation or ageing, adding texture and notes of vanilla or butter.
Thanks to its adaptability, Chardonnay reflects the unique identity of each Portuguese region — a balance of climate, soil and winemaking know-how.
Raise a Glass to Portuguese Chardonnay
Portuguese Chardonnays stand out for their freshness, balance and gastronomic versatility. Whether light and vibrant or full-bodied and complex, there’s always a Chardonnay worth celebrating.
Food pairing tip: Perfect with seafood, grilled fish, poultry and soft cheeses.
Portuguese Chardonnays Worth Discovering
Bacalhôa Chardonnay “Cova da Ursa”
A national icon. The first Portuguese Chardonnay to undergo full fermentation in new French oak barrels. From vineyards in the Serra da Arrábida, this wine is known for its complexity, structure and ageing potential.
Principal Grande Reserva Branco
A blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, barrel-fermented and aged. It offers intensity, structure and impressive persistence. Named one of the top 10 Portuguese wines of 2019 by Revista de Vinhos.
Sparkling Wines from Távora-Varosa
Chardonnay is one of the base grapes in Portugal’s finest sparkling wines, such as those from Murganheira — which rival top international sparklings. Try the Murganheira Velha Reserva Bruto.
Interestingly, the name Chardonnay comes from a small French village and means “place of thistles.” Yet in Portugal, this noble grape flourishes with elegance and distinct character. On this International Chardonnay Day, celebrate with a Portuguese white that shows how tradition can be reinvented.
