Chardonnay wine: what it is, where it is made, the best producers
The famous grape with pale green rounded fruits and a delicate citrus aroma was first cultivated in France. It is believed that Chardonnay was born in Burgundy as a result of the natural process of crossing two classic varieties - Pinot Noir and Gueuil Blanc.
Today, this unpretentious vine has spread all over the world: Chardonnay is grown in Georgia, the USA, Australia, Moldova, and many other countries. However, the best wines made from the fruit of this variety are still made in its homeland - France.
Characteristics of the variety
Chardonnay is considered to be a fairly compliant variety of vine: it grows on almost any soil, tolerates low temperatures and gives a good harvest, regardless of climate and care technologies.
It is said that it is almost impossible to spoil wine from the fruits of this variety.
However, in different areas, the taste and other characteristics of the fruit differ significantly.
They depend on both the skills of winemakers and growing conditions.
Light calcareous soils and a mild climate are optimal for Chardonnay; it grows worst on oily and humid soils.
At the moment, there are more than 30 varieties of Chardonnay, each of which is suitable for cultivation in certain regions.
The famous variety also has many names. The main thing comes from the village of the same name in Burgundy.
All types of Chardonnay have several common features
Medium-sized grape bushes with small cone-shaped clusters. The yield of vines is low.
The variety produces small juicy round fruits with a thick white-green skin.
The juice is colorless, with a pronounced varietal aroma and taste.
The sugar content of berries is quite high and under certain conditions can reach 35%.
Classic Chardonnay wines are characterized by a significant alcohol content (about 13%).
The variety is resistant to processing and retains its properties during the beverage production process.
Suitable for the production of various types of wine: dry, sparkling, dessert, blended and varietal.
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Initially, it proved itself as a raw material for young drinks.
However, over time, winemakers also fell in love with it as a basis for making aged wines.
Regions of production and features of drinks
Undoubtedly, the best Chardonnay wines are made in France. Most of the plantations are located in Champagne and Burgundy.
Drinks from the Côte d'Ivoire department are considered elite’Or, in particular its southern part (Côte de Beaune), where the Puligny-Montrachet vineyards are located.
The drinks produced here belong to the highest category of "Grand Cru" and cost several thousand dollars.
Good wines from northern Burgundy. In Chablis, Chardonnay is practically a "monopolist": plantings of other varieties are so insignificant that they can be ignored.
Products from different regions are distinguished by their own flavor shades:
Southern wines are characterized by a harmonious honey-floral aroma, a rich fruit bouquet with pronounced tones of pear, quince, honeysuckle, mango and peaches. The drink has a special oily texture.
Aged wines develop nutty notes that combine with hints of dried fruit, butter and toast.
Drinks made from Chablis and Champagne are characterized by a high degree of acidity, which gives them a specific sharp taste with mineral tones.
The fruit tones are less noticeable here, the wines are light, fresh, refined and show themselves perfectly in aging.
The bouquet clearly reveals apple and lemon notes with a light honey aftertaste.
Burgundy products from Chardonnay are considered a benchmark in winemaking, and the variety itself has received the unofficial title of "king of white wines".
A special feature of drinks made from this variety is a soft smoky flavor and light lemon aroma.
Chardonnay is also used to make champagne, the most famous is "Blanc de Blancs".
Producers of elite Chardonnay products
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
Domaine Leroy
J.P. Chenet
Domaine Vocoret
Joseph Drouhin
Francois de Nicolay
Aegerter
Domaine Billaud-Simon
Chateau de La Saule
Chardonnay in Australia
Chardonnay is successfully grown in Australia - in the areas near Newcastle. The variety was brought here in the 19th century.
Local wines are characterized by oak and nutty notes, rich pineapple flavor with hints of oriental sweets and gooseberries.
Popular among producers:
Calabria Family Wines
Lindemans
Gramp & Sons
Hardys
D'Arenberg
Chardonnay in the USA
The most significant plantations of the "wine king" are located in California, the variety is also grown in Oregon and Washington.
Local drinks have proven to be some of the best examples of Chardonnay wines.
Products from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys are characterized by fullness and richness of taste, in which you can clearly taste spices, vanilla and oak notes.
The best wines are released:
Les Grands Chais de France
Robert Mondavi winery
Gallo Family Vineyards
Beringer
Geyser Peak
France, Australia and the USA are the main suppliers of quality Chardonnay.
It is the samples of these countries that make up the "backbone" of white wines from this variety.
Among other countries engaged in Chardonnay cultivation, it is worth noting Italy, Moldova, Georgia, Slovenia, Argentina, Austria, Chile, Germany and New Zealand.
Winemakers from these regions also produce worthy samples of drinks from the "white king".
How to drink Chardonnay
Chardonnay can be drunk both at a young "age" and in its aged form.
The drink should be served in a so-called Burgundy glass with a capacity of 250 to 500 ml.
The size of the glass depends on the age of the wine: the older the wine, the larger the vessel. But this does not mean that the glass should be filled to the brim.
Regardless of its size, no more than 100 ml of wine should be poured into it.
The serving temperature of Chardonnay also depends on its age
Young wine can be served at a temperature of 8-10°C
Aged - at 12-14°C.
The drink is combined with almost any dish, but is especially good as an addition to seafood, river fish, desserts and light meat.
Traditional gastronomic pairings of cheeses, white bread, fruit or olives are also suitable.
Update: 03.11.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth