Chardonnay is the biggest name in white wine varietals. Perhaps this is at least partially due to the fact that it's a reliable, yet remarkable grape, capable of not only surviving, but flourishing in regions that at first glance it has no right growing in. The most famous examples of Chardonnay can be in the cooler climates of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune and Chablis regions where it's often found to take on a crisp, flinty profile. Champagnes are largely Chardonnay based and winemakers will often look for the creamy, more nutty characters. Chardonnay can also be found throughout other European countries although its in the new world where some it's seen a renaissance in recent times, places such as United States' California, Australia's Hunter Valley and Chile's Casablanca Valley have changed the way many of us see this versitile king of the white grapes.