Chardonnay vs. Chablis

[chatnoir]

Hi, I am a new member here -- today, in fact!
I have a question concerning the difference between a Chardonnay and a Chablis.
Recently, I was with friends in the mall shopping. We stopped at a restaurant chain and sat at the bar while waiting for a table. I asked the bartender for a glass of Chardonnay. He asked if I wanted the 'House Brand' or some other. I told him that the 'House Brand' would be fine. As he was pouring my drink, I was curious to know what the 'House Brand' was; and, I asked him to see the label. What he was pouring for me was, in fact, a Chablis. I don't like Chablis; and, I told him that. (I felt like the date from Hell in the movie Return To Me -- the woman who did want Swiss water!) Anyway, the bartender was offended and told me that Chardonnay and Chablis were the same thing. The friends with me told me the same thing and encouraged me not to make a fuss because it was 'all white wine'. I don't think so. I can't believe that!
Also, thanks for the info concerning the differences in oaked and unoaked Chardonnay. I didn't use to like Chardonnay. It had a taste that I didn't like -- bitter or heavy or something distressing; however, I've found lately that I do like Chardonnay because it is light and crisp. I'll have to pay more attention to the Chardonnay labels -- and, to this Board [img]http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] Thanks.

[This message has been edited by chatnoir (edited 12-12-2003).]