ABC

Definition:

ABC (Anything But Chardonnay): A cheeky slogan for folks who think Chardonnay is the “pumpkin spice latte” of the wine world... too popular, too basic, and too overdone. Instead of sipping on the world’s most famous white grape, these rebels look to Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or basically anything that doesn’t rhyme with “Chardonnay”. Winemaker Randall Grahm is believed to have coined this term.

Why it Matters:

The ABC movement isn’t really about hating Chardonnay; it’s about rebelling against what was once the default wine order at every bar and dinner party. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Chardonnay was everywhere. Your mom drank it, your boss drank it, heck, even your dentist probably poured himself a glass after telling you to floss more. But popularity led to overproduction, and suddenly everyone was sipping on heavy, over-oaked, buttery Chards that tasted like you were licking a movie theater popcorn bucket.

That’s when the ABC crowd rose up, looking for fresher, crisper alternatives. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling became the cool kids at the wine table. Ironically, while people were chanting “Anything But Chardonnay,” winemakers quietly improved Chardonnay, dialing back the butter bomb style and crafting more elegant, balanced wines. So here’s the kicker: many ABC diehards are missing out, because modern Chardonnay is back in fashion—it just got a makeover.