Proper Pronunciation Guide

Chardonnay

[ʃɑ͜ɚd̚ ṇ ne͜i]

Tips:

  • Pronounce the letters “ch” as
    /ʃ/.
  • Stop-but-do-not-explode the letter “d”—/d̚/—at the end of the first syllable and release the air on the following syllabic “n”—
    /n̩/, which forms the second syllable. In other words, do not pronouonce the letter “o.”
  • Begin the final syllable with the consonant
    /n/ and stress it.

Practice Sentence:

They ordered a bottle of Chardonnay to go with their dinner.

Definition:

  • (noun) A dry white wine occasionally having a fruity taste made from the grapes of the same name and often served with fish, chicken, or other mild and light food.

Notes:

The name of the California vineyard, Chateau St. Jean, which produces an outstanding Chardonnay, is pronounced [ʃæˏto͜u se͜intʤin] like the names Jean (female) and Gene (male) are pronounced in English and not as if the name Jean were French.
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