Great Value Wines: 7 Oregon Chardonnays for Under $40

When you hear “wine” and “Oregon” uttered in the same sentence, the subject matter is usually pinot noir. And for good reason. The state’s producers consistently make top-notch pinot that expresses a unique personality based on a combination of differences in soil, elevation and microclimate. It’s mostly what has put the state on the wine map.

Fewer producers focus on chardonnay, but those that do are making incredible wines, with their “clear Oregon nature” shining through in the glass, as James wrote in his annual report on Oregon wines, which we published last week. And chardonnay is giving pinot a run for its money in the literal sense: prices for Oregon chardonnay are out of whack in relation to its quality. But don’t worry – this is a good thing because Oregon chardonnay right now is such a great value proposition that it deserves closer attention.

Part of the reason chardonnay has only recently begun to get the recognition it deserves is because for many years Oregon produced pinot gris as its hallmark white varietal. Some pinot gris wines were well made and others not so much, but whatever acclaim the varietal once received has slowly faded, with chardonnay stepping in to take its place.

Many of Oregon’s pinot gris vines have been grafted over to chardonnay, and producers have really begun to dial in the viticulture and winemaking to bring out the best that chardonnay has to offer. Even so, chardonnay is still a bit under the radar. In the recent tasting James and I did of over 750 wines from the state, we walked away feeling puzzled by the lack of notoriety for these excellent white wines and felt determined to tune you in so you get the chance to buy and taste them before the market catches on.

Oregon chardonnay obviously varies based on site, vintage and producer, but something that we found consistent in our tastings is the sharp, bright acidity paired with notes of lemon peel and fresh herbs. These are refreshing and crisp wines that are sure to please burgundy fanatics and plain old white wine sippers alike.

The list below is a real introduction into the serious chardonnay that Oregon produces, all at $40 or below from most any wine merchant. All are either 2018 or 2019 – both very good quality years, with 2018 perhaps edging out 2019 in quality. 2018 is a riper vintage, and in a naturally cooler climate this often results in better balance and phenolic ripeness. 2019 is still a lovely vintage, with cooler weather and more citrus-fruited palates. Whichever wine you choose, we know you’ll be pleased once you pop the cork.