POSSIBLY the most well known of grapes, Chardonnay has been a victim of its own success with more wine consumers sadly moving away from this wonderfully diverse variety in favour of lighter style such as the now-ubiquitous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Italian Pinot Grigio.

But don’t dismiss this variety as Chardonnay makes an extremely diverse range of wines, with its style varying greatly according to where it is grown and how it is matured.

Here are four very different Chardonnays to suit every taste and palate.

1685 Boschendal Chardonnay 2009/2010 down to £6.40 until 19th July, Waitrose

A wonderfully rich and ripe style of Chardonnay made by one of the Cape’s oldest and most celebrated wineries. Founded in 1685 (hence the name of the wine), Boschendal have squeezed every last drop of beautiful buttery and nutty tropical fruit flavours from this great grape variety which will pair a treat with barbecued chicken and creamy pasta salad dishes.

Lost Sheep Chardonnay 2010 £6.99 M&S

This great value number from Australia is well balanced with a creamy texture and has plenty of great exotic fruit aromas such as mango, peach and melon. These flavours combine to create a very pleasant and versatile wine, making a delicious aperitif or accompaniment to shellfish canapés.

Santa Rita Medalla Real 2010 down to £8.79 when you buy two Chilean wines, Majestic

Chile has recently been a hot bed of activity for cool climate wines, and Chardonnay is no exception. This wine has been produced from a mixture of regions, however the bulk having been sourced from the Northern tip of Chilean winemaking in the Limari Valley, where moderating sea breezes keep the vineyards fresh and prevent the sun from quite literally baking the grapes to the vines. The end result is stunning – fresh and clean on the nose, with green apple and grapefruit aromas dominating which then lead into a precise and elegant palate. Simply stunning with olive oil-smothered grilled fish dishes.

Chablis 1er Cru ‘Côtes de Lechet’ 2007 £18 M&S

The classic way to catch out your friends who claim to dislike Chardonnay but in the same breath will declare their undying love for Chablis – just let them know that the wine is made from one hundred per cent Chardonnay! This wine is a world away from the typical bold fruit-driven flavours associated with Chardonnay from warmer climate zones in the New World. This stunning premier cru is a classic example of this Northern Burgundy appellation; light and crisp with a touch of minerality and citrus notes, providing the ideal accompaniment to oysters and goats cheese.