Chardonnay vs Riesling

Riesling is sweeter, Chardonnay is fuller.

Sweetness, body, tannin and acidity are our rating of a typical dry table wine from each grape.

Chardonnay

White · France, Italy

apple to tropical, creamy when oaked

Riesling

White · Rhine, Germany

lime, petrol, dry to sweet

Bone dry
Sweetness: Off-dry; Full
Body: Light; Very low
Tannin: Very low; Medium
Acidity: Very high; 13 to 14.5%
Alcohol: 8 to 13%; 10 to 13 °C
Serve at: 7 to 10 °C; Worldwide
Regions: Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, France

Only Chardonnay

Chicken
Shellfish
Creamy pasta and sauces
Soft and mild cheese

Both pair with

No pairing in common.

Only Riesling

Spicy food
Pork
Duck
Fruit desserts and pastries

Sources

Style profiles, pairings and serving figures are our own assessment. Regions and origins: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0); see the Chardonnay and Riesling pages.