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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety that is widely grown in many wine regions across the world, including France, California, Australia, and Chile. The grape’s popularity, versatility, flavour profile and ability to respond to winemaking techniques have made it a significant variety in the world of wine.
Chardonnay is believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France where it is named after the town of the same name. and has a long history in winemaking. The grape was first recorded as a variety in the 17th century and became popular in the 20th, particularly in the United States and Australia, where it was widely planted due to its adaptability to different climates and soils. Known for its high levels of acidity, this contributes to its crisp and refreshing character that makes it a popular choice for making sparkling wines. Today it is one of the most widely planted and consumed white wine grapes in the world.
The versatility of the Chardonnay grape also refers to its suitability for use by several winemaking techniques. These can greatly impact the flavour and aroma profile of Chardonnay wines and can be used to create a wide range of styles. Among these methods include oak barrel aging, partial or full-malolactic fermentation, lees stirring and barrel fermentation.
Notable examples of Chardonnay wines include Chablis and Meursault from Burgundy, as well as those produced in California’s Napa Valley by the likes of Jordan, Cakebread, and Rombauer.
Notable regions
The world's primary Chardonnay wine region is Burgundy where it is the dominant grape variety and used to make a wide range of white wines such as Chablis, Meursault Montrachet.
Chardonnay is also widely grown in many other regions around the world, including California, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in many other countries in Europe, South America, and South Africa.
Characteristics
Chardonnay tends to produce dry, medium-bodied white wines with few tannins and medium acidity.
The flavours and aromas of Chardonnay wines can include varieties or citrus, stone and tropical fruits. Chardonnay wines that undergo malolactic fermentation can have a creamy, buttery flavour and aroma while those that are oak barrel-aged produce vanilla, coconut, and spice.