Chardonnay is one of the most popular wines in the U.S. The flavors of this popular white wine can range from clean and crisp examples to rich and complex examples with pronounced oak flavor. Chardonnay is typically classified as a dry white wine, but it can sometimes taste semi-sweet or even sour. If you like the tropical citrus flavors, the slight char of buttered toast, you'll get along well with Chardonnay. Any oak you'll taste comes from fermenting in oak barrels.