Vermentino vs Chardonnay

Comparing Vermentino vs Chardonnay wine makes sense. These two white wines can seem similar.

Vermentino is lighter bodied than Chardonnay, with white floral and mineral notes. Chardonnay is fuller bodied with a wider range of aromas. Both are medium alcohol and intensity.

Here’s what you need to know about Vermentino vs Chardonnay.

Vermentino Basics: Mediterranean Classic

Vermentino, a true Mediterranean wine, offers a captivating experience. With origins in regions such as Italy, France (where it is known as Rolle), and Sardinia, Vermentino showcases a distinct character. 

Vermentino’s vibrant acidity and refreshing citrus profile pair well with sun-drenched terraces and light Mediterranean cuisine. 

Vermentino will usually have a medium body, providing more weight on the palate. Its flavor profile includes hints of tropical fruits, citrus zest, and sometimes a touch of saline minerality, reflecting its coastal vineyards.

Fun Wine Fact: Researchers now think that Vermentino’s been cultivated as a wine grape since the 1300s.

Chardonnay Basics: Classic White Wine

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world. Also from France, Chardonnay crafts wines that differ depending on the growing climate, from steely and acidic with minerality, to luscious stone and tropical fruits.

Chardonnay is often called a winemaker’s grape because the winemaker can play with different winemaking techniques to make different styles of Chardonnay.

Helpful Tip: Go check out this complete guide to Chardonnay wine.

Wine Comparison: Vermentino vs. Chardonnay

Here’s a quick side-by-side that covers the most common styles of Vermentino and Chardonnay.

Characteristics	Vermentino	Chardonnay
Hue	Pale lemon to straw	Pale lemon to deep gold
Color	White	White
Aromas	Citrus, green apple, white blossom, mineral	Green apple, pear, buttery, vanilla, citrus
Sweetness	Dry to off-dry	Dry to off-dry
Acid	Medium plus	Medium to high
Alcohol (%)	12-13%	12-15%
Body	Light to medium minus	Medium to full
Intensity	Medium	Medium to pronounced
Key Growing Regions	Italy (Sardinia, Liguria), France, Spain	France (Burgundy, Chablis), California, Australia – Most Major Winegrowing Regions Globally
Classic Pairings	Seafood, salads, light pasta dishes	Chicken, seafood, creamy dishes
Price Range	$15-$30	$10-$50

Vermentino Wine Profile

• Sweetness: Vermentino wines lean towards dryness, offering a range of dry to off-dry styles.
• Alcohol: Vermentino wines typically have a moderate alcohol content, similar to Chardonnay, ranging from around 11% to 13% ABV.
• Body: Vermentino is known for its medium body, often a little lighter than Chardonnay.
• Acid: Vermentino showcases vibrant acidity, a little higher than Chardonnay.
• Flavor and Aroma Intensity: Vermentino boasts refreshing citrus notes and subtle floral undertones.

Chardonnay Wine Profile

• Sweetness: Chardonnay wines cover the spectrum from bone-dry to off-dry. Less expensive Chardonnay often has a little residual sugar from unfermented grape juice in it for sweetness.
• Alcohol: Chardonnay wines generally have a moderate alcohol content, ranging from around 12% to 15% ABV.
• Body: Chardonnay exhibits a diverse range of body, from light and crisp to full and creamy, depending on winemaking choices.
• Acid: Chardonnay can showcase a broad spectrum of acidity, from vibrant and zesty to more rounded and soft.
• Flavor and Aroma Intensity: Chardonnay’s profile varies widely, with notes of green apple, citrus, tropical fruit, and sometimes hints of vanilla and butter.
• Flavors: Styles range from unoaked, highlighting bright fruit, to oaked, introducing creamy textures and nuances of oak influence.

Are Vermentino and Chardonnay Similar?

Vermentino and Chardonnay are similar. Both wines showcase citrus flavors, making them suitable for light dishes and pairing well with seafood. If you enjoy crisp styles of Chardonnay, you’ll likely enjoy Vermentino.

What Is the Difference Between Vermentino and Chardonnay?

Vermentino tends to be lighter and has higher acid than most styles of Chardonnay. Chardonnay showcases a wider range of aromas and styles depending on where it’s grown and how the winemaker shapes the wine.

Vermentino vs Chardonnay: Food Pairings and Serving Temperature

• Chardonnay, with its many styles, pairs well with a range of foods, from seafood to grilled chicken and even heartier dishes like lobster or roasted pork. Think creamy, rich dishes.
• Vermentino’s delicate fruit, mineral, and floral character make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, white meats, and lighter vegetarian cuisine

Personal Note: Here’s a list of my 5 favorite everyday Chardonnay wine pairings for normal people.

Both wines are best enjoyed chilled. 

Place them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before serving. For both wines, remove the bottle from the refrigerator approximately 10-15 minutes before pouring to reach the ideal serving temperature.

Helpful Tip: Here’s a list of popular wine styles and their recommended serving temperatures that is easy to use (no thermometers required).

Which Is More Expensive, Vermentino or Chardonnay?

It’s natural to want to compare the price of Vermentino vs Chardonnay, so here’s what you need to know.

Quality Level	Vermentino	Chardonnay
Entry-level	$12-$20	$8-$12
Premium	$25-$40+	$20-$50+

Chardonnay Cost

Chardonnay, with its widespread availability, caters to various budgets. 

• Entry-level Chardonnays are accessible, often in the $8-$12 USD range. 
• A higher quality bottle, for example, a 90+ point Chardonnay from Burgundy, France, starts around $35 USD, but you can find beautiful 90+ Chardonnays from other regions for under $20 USD as well. Shop around! 

Vermentino Cost

• Entry-level Vermentino wines also fall within accessible price ranges, usually ranging from $12 to $20 per bottle. These wines are known for their pure fruit flavors that forefront freshness, perfect for casual sipping and pairing.
• On the premium side, Vermentino will have more intense fruit flavors. You’ll immediately notice just how pronounced they can be. Premium Vermentino wines sourced from renowned regions can have wine prices of $25 to $40 or more.

Helpful Wine Buying Tip: Chardonnay is much more popular and more widely grown than Vermentino, so the least expensive bottles are much less expensive than Vermentino.

Which Is Better? Chardonnay vs Vermentino

If you love citrus-driven, lighter styles of white wine with bright acid, then Vermentino is the better wine. If you enjoy more subtle white wines with a fuller body, then buy Chardonnay. If you’re looking at your wine budget, Chardonnay is less expensive than Vermentino.

Final Thoughts – Vermentino vs Chardonnay

Vermentino and Chardonnay are lovely white wines that should be in your wine cellar (or shelf). Chardonnay comes in more varied styles, so it’s worth drinking widely to learn what you like and dislike about this white grape. 

Personally, I feel like Chardonnay has a wider range of styles that I can enjoy on more varied occasions.

The best way to learn about Vermentino and Chardonnay is to do a side-by-side tasting. Grab two bottles of similarly priced Vermentino and Chardonnay, gather some friends, and pop those corks!

Thirsty for More?

I’m a big believer in side-by-side tastings to enhance your wine knowledge. Here’s how to host your own wine tasting for beginners.

Check out this post on Chenin Blanc vs Chardonnay, two more white wines you should be able to tell apart.

You should be able to find delightful wines at every price point. Explore this post on how to discover hidden gems under $50.