It's a relatively neutral grape variety, meaning it doesn't have much inherent flavor on its own. On the contrary, the profile of Chardonnays is largely determined by the terroir, the growing conditions, and the winemaking techniques used.
The historic homeland of Chardonnay is between Burgundy and Champagne , in Saône-et-Loire. In Burgundy, there is even a small town called Chardonnay. It is under the name of Beaunois that we find, in 1583, the first written mentions. The name “Chardonnet” appears for the first time in 1685. Today, it is established that this grape variety, long confused with Pinot Blanc, comes from a natural cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc.
One of the most popular styles of Chardonnay is the fresh and fruity Chardonnay. Produced from grapes harvested relatively early in their ripeness period, the wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks or neutral oak barrels, resulting in dry, lively wines, with high acidity, with aromas of citrus and mineral notes. They are sometimes compared to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Another popular style is oaked Chardonnay. These wines are fermented and aged in oak barrels , which gives them greater breadth and complexity, having gained aromas of vanilla and toast. Winegrowers will also tend to favor malolactic conversion, a reaction that can follow alcoholic fermentation and which provides creaminess and buttery notes.
Besides these two main styles, Chardonnay can also be made into sparkling wines and sweet wines .
Chardonnay is appreciated for the multitude of its facets and for its ability to adapt to all soils and climates. Thus, it is found in vineyards on all continents. However, it is on soils rich in limestone, such as those of Burgundy, where it feels best.
The best-known Chardonnays come from the major exhibitions of the Côte d'Or in Burgundy, where they are often produced in a woody style. Domaine Henri de Villamont, for example, produces high-class Chardonnays in Meursault , Puligny-Montrachet and Savigny-lès-beaune . Further north, in the Chablis region, on Jurassic limestone and marl soils, Chardonnay produces fine, taut and iodized wines. In Champagne, where it represents 30% of the surface area, it is used as a single varietal ( Champagne Blanc de Blancs like this cuvée from Duval Leroy ) or in blends with Pinot Noir and Meunier to produce large sparkling vintages.
In California , Chardonnay is practically synonymous with white wine. Consumers love it for its variety of styles, “unoaked” (unoaked) or “oaky” (oaked) at Francis Ford Coppola Winery . Its name is also easy to pronounce.
In Switzerland, it is found in particular in the cantons of Vaud , Valais and Ticino , alone or in blends with other grape varieties, such as the Pampre d'Or vintage, Assemblage Blanc du Valais or the Vallombrosa vintage. Bianco del Ticino from Ticino. Chardonnay also produces elegant Swiss sparkling wines, such as the Cuvée Obrist Brut or the Cuvée Coup de l'Etrier Brut .
Chardonnay is grown in many other regions of the world: in Italy (e.g. sparkling near Franciacorta ), in Spain, in Chile, in South Africa and in Australia, to name just a few.
With its rich history and presence in many wine regions around the world, Chardonnay is a grape variety that continues to be enjoyed by wine lovers around the world.
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