Chardonnay is arguably the most famous of all the grapes use in wine-making. It originates from the region of Burgundy in France. Nevertheless, this grape is hugely prevalent in countless wines. The main wine it is found in comes from Chablis. This carries a distinctive steely flavour. This is attributed to the limestone soil in which the grapes grow. Chardonnay is also found further south. Some examples include Mersault in the Cte de Beaune and the AC of Rully from the Cte Chalonnaise. These wines are not as famed as those from the north. But this does not make them inferior in any way. In fact, many connoisseurs praise them for their smooth and creamy taste.
Chardonnay is also used in the production of champagne. It is one of three types of grapes used in this way. The other two are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These are the only grapes that are allowed to be blended and bottled in the Champagne region. Champagne is sometimes made from a blend of grapes. But when it is made from just the Chardonnay grape it is called Blanc de Blancs. The grape is grown on the chalk hills of Champagne. This has since become known as the Cte des Blancs.
As we move further south the flavour of Chardonnay changes. It is generally considered to become more mellow the further south it is grown. In fact, many people regard the oaky and buttery taste as being the definitive flavour of Chardonnay. It can also be blended with grapes like Viognier or Marsanne. These effectively reduce the rich flavour. However, they also add more fruit to the taste.
Of course you can find Chardonnay outside of France. In Spain it grows in the Somontano. In Italy it is usually found in the North. However, the Italians like to blend it with their own white grapes. These include Fiano, Verdicchio and Glera. You can even find Chardonnay growing in England. It is mainly grown in the counties of Sussex and Surrey. Here it is used to produce English Sparkling Wine.
Chardonnay has really found its niche in the New World countries. It is grown in huge quantities across Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile.
But you cannot talk about New World Chardonnay without mentioning California. Here the wine is equally celebrated and reviled. This is because there is a huge amount of over-oaked and flabby wines that are noty very good. However, there are also some stunning examples that are rich and well-rounded. These are produced in Napa and Sonoma. You can also travel further south and find iconic wines such as Wild Boy from Au Bon Climat.
Chardonnay is also used in the production of champagne. It is one of three types of grapes used in this way. The other two are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These are the only grapes that are allowed to be blended and bottled in the Champagne region. Champagne is sometimes made from a blend of grapes. But when it is made from just the Chardonnay grape it is called Blanc de Blancs. The grape is grown on the chalk hills of Champagne. This has since become known as the Cte des Blancs.
As we move further south the flavour of Chardonnay changes. It is generally considered to become more mellow the further south it is grown. In fact, many people regard the oaky and buttery taste as being the definitive flavour of Chardonnay. It can also be blended with grapes like Viognier or Marsanne. These effectively reduce the rich flavour. However, they also add more fruit to the taste.
Of course you can find Chardonnay outside of France. In Spain it grows in the Somontano. In Italy it is usually found in the North. However, the Italians like to blend it with their own white grapes. These include Fiano, Verdicchio and Glera. You can even find Chardonnay growing in England. It is mainly grown in the counties of Sussex and Surrey. Here it is used to produce English Sparkling Wine.
Chardonnay has really found its niche in the New World countries. It is grown in huge quantities across Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile.
But you cannot talk about New World Chardonnay without mentioning California. Here the wine is equally celebrated and reviled. This is because there is a huge amount of over-oaked and flabby wines that are noty very good. However, there are also some stunning examples that are rich and well-rounded. These are produced in Napa and Sonoma. You can also travel further south and find iconic wines such as Wild Boy from Au Bon Climat.
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