(NewsUSA) - With its impeccable sugar-acid balance, full body and easy smoothness, chardonnay has become one of America's top-selling white wines. Since there are many choices available today, selecting the right chardonnay starts with some basic knowledge of fine wines and a willingness to experiment.

Start by trusting your own taste. With its distinct yet delicate aroma, a superior chardonnay can leave a lasting impression on the palate with its oak overtones and fresh fruit flavors. Sample a variety of chardonnays, and buy a single bottle before you commit to several bottles or a case.

Next, pay attention to the wine's appellation (the area where the wine was grown) and how the wine is produced. The chardonnay grape is a relatively low-maintenance vine that adapts well to a variety of climates, resulting in fairly high yields worldwide.

Flavors can be dramatically affected, however, by differences in soil, climate and vineyard practices. Different winemaking techniques also produce wide variances in the chardonnay flavor profile.

Many chardonnay choices abound, so if you don't know where to begin, seek help from a good wine merchant. The most reliable stores hand-pick their wines based on actual tastings.

You can also research wines that have won awards in tasting competitions.

For example, Viansa Winery Italian Marketplace's 2005 "Cento Per Cento" Estate Chardonnay, produced in California's Sonoma Valley, was awarded a Double Gold Medal and chosen as "Best of Class" at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world. This 100 percent Carneros chardonnay features flavors of baked apple, blanched almonds and creme brulee with a creamy finish.

Finally, explore new options for pairing chardonnay with food. It's a versatile wine that will complement many entrees and pairs particularly well with poultry dishes, pork, veal, seafood or recipes featuring a cream base.