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Australian Chardonnay named among the World's Best in Burgundy

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Key Facts:

• Australian Chardonnay achieves a rare and globally significant breakthrough, earning top‑tier recognition on Chardonnay’s home turf.

  Australian winery Taylors Wines places two wines in the Top 10 at the 2026 Chardonnay du Monde competition in Burgundy, France
• The achievement marks the first time a Southern Hemisphere producer has placed two wines in the Top 10, competing against 471 wines from 25 countries
• Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay 2025 and Special Release Chardonnay 2024 ranked alongside elite Burgundy Premier Cru and Champagne Grand Cru wines
• The result reflects a resurgence in Australian Chardonnay, which is now the country's best-selling white wine over $200
• Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay 2025, retailing at AU$28, has won seven major international awards across competitions in France, Germany, Spain, the USA, the UK and Hong Kong

Australian Chardonnay has achieved a rare and globally significant breakthrough, earning top‑tier recognition on Chardonnay’s home turf.

 

South Australian winery Taylors Wines has been named the only brand globally to place two wines in the Top 10 at the 2026 Chardonnay du Monde. The competition is one of the world’s most prestigious events dedicated exclusively to Chardonnay and is held annually in March, in Burgundy, France, the birthplace of the variety.

 

Australia was the only Southern Hemisphere country represented in the Top 10 - with both entries coming from Taylors Wines. Judged blind by hundreds of international experts, Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay 2025 and Taylors Special Release Chardonnay 2024 ranked at the very top of a fiercely competitive global field, alongside elite entries such as Burgundy Premier Cru and Champagne Grand Cru wines.

 

Now in its 33rd year, Chardonnay du Monde is regarded as the ultimate international benchmark for Chardonnay quality. The 2026 competition brought together 471 wines from 25 countries, with the Top 10 ranking sitting above Gold medal level, representing the highest echelon of wines globally.

 

A defining moment for Australian Chardonnay

The result comes amid a powerful resurgence for Australian Chardonnay, now the nation's biggest-selling white wine over $200F[1], as modern expressions gain traction with consumers and critics at home and abroad. Driven by contemporary winemaking styles and renewed confidence on the global stage, Australian Chardonnay is reclaiming its place among the world’s great wines.

 

Angus Hughson, wine critic and the Australian Editor for VINOUS, said the global result signalled the growing resurgence of Australian Chardonnay. “Australian Chardonnay has undergone a profound evolution over the past decade. The shift away from overt richness towards precision, freshness and regional character has completely changed how these wines are perceived internationally. Results like this, judged in Burgundy, again show the quality of Australian Chardonnay among the greatest examples of this variety from around the world. In a rapidly changing wine world, Chardonnay will likely become our nation’s key opportunity to shine on the global stage, evidenced by awards such as this.”

 

At the centre of the achievement is Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay 2025, a contemporary Australian expression crafted for the table. The wine displays vibrant lime zest, pineapple and nectarine flavours, balanced by zesty acidity and fine French oak texture. Retailing at AU$28, the wine ranked among the world’s best, outperforming international benchmarks often priced many times higher.

 

Mitchell Taylor, Chairman of Taylors Wines, said the rare double placement marked a turning point for Australian Chardonnay on the world stage. “To be recognised amongst the world’s best in Burgundy - is incredibly significant. This result is a powerful endorsement of how far Australian Chardonnay has come and reflects our commitment to producing wines of genuine quality and balance. This is a proud moment for our family and our winemaking team. It shows that Australian Chardonnay can stand alongside the great wines of France."

 

The Chardonnay du Monde result is the seventh major international award for the Jaraman Chardonnay 2025 vintage, which has earned six Gold Medals and a Trophy across competitions in France, Germany, Spain, the USA, the UK and Hong Kong. The landmark result underscores Taylors Wines’ reputation for consistent excellence across different price tiers and highlights Australia’s growing influence in shaping the future of the world’s most celebrated white grape.

 

Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay 2025 (RRP $28) is available at leading retailers nationally and online at taylorswines.com.au.  

About us:

About Taylors Wines: Founded in 1969, Taylors Wines is one of Australia’s leading family-owned wineries. Guided by three generations of the Taylor family, the winery has earned a strong reputation for quality, sustainability and innovation – but above all, for creating wines that bring people together. From milestone celebrations to everyday moments, Taylors wines are crafted to connect, elevate and inspire. With a philosophy grounded in tradition and shaped for today, Taylors Wines creates wines made to be shared, For All Time. www.taylorswines.com.au

 

About Chardonnay du Monde: Chardonnay du Monde has been recognised by the OIV (the International Organisation of Vine and Wine), the intergovernmental body that sets global standards for winemaking and wine competitions, since 1995, one of only a small number of wine competitions worldwide to hold this accreditation. The Top 10 ranking sits above Gold medal level, representing the highest echelon of the competition. www.chardonnay-du-monde.com/

 

Contact details:

Erin Casey | [email protected] | +61 423 380 823

Melissa Murat | [email protected] | +61 403 967 553