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The famous grape with pale green round 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 Goue Blanc.
Today, the unpretentious vine has spread all over the world: Chardonnay is grown in Georgia, the USA, Australia, Moldova and many other countries. Nevertheless, the best wines from the fruits of this variety are still made in their homeland – in France.
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Characteristic of the variety
Chardonnay is considered to be a fairly flexible variety of grapevine: it grows on almost any soil, tolerates low temperatures well and gives a good harvest, regardless of climate and care technologies.
They say that it is almost impossible to spoil the wine from the fruits of this variety.
However, in different areas, the taste and other characteristics of the fruit differ significantly.
They depend on the skills of winemakers, and on growing conditions.
Optimal for Chardonnay are light calcareous soils and a mild climate, it grows worst of all on oily and wet lands.
Currently, there are more than 30 Chardonnay varieties, each suitable for cultivation in certain regions.
There are also many names for the famous variety. The main thing came from the village of the same name in Burgundy.
All types of Chardonnay have a few things in common.
Medium-sized grape bushes with small cone-shaped clusters. The yield of vines is low.
The variety produces medium-sized juicy fruits of a round shape with a thick skin of white-green color.
The juice is colorless, with a pronounced varietal smell and taste.
The sugar content of berries is quite high and under certain conditions can reach 35%.
Classic wines from Chardonnay are characterized by a significant alcohol content (about 13%).
The grade is steady against processing and keeps the properties in the course of production of drinks.
Suitable for the production of different types of wine: dry, sparkling, dessert, blended and varietal.
Initially established itself as a raw material for young drinks.
However, over time, winemakers 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. The main part of the plantations is located in Champagne and Burgundy.
Elite are drinks from the Côte d’Or department, in particular its southern part (Côte de Beaune), where the Puligny-Montrachet vineyards are located.
The drinks that are obtained 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 here that they can not be taken into account.
Products from different regions differ in their flavors:
Southern wines are characterized by a harmonious honey-floral aroma, a rich fruity bouquet, in which tones of pear, quince, honeysuckle, mango and peaches are pronounced. The drink has a special oily texture.
Aged wines have nutty notes that are combined with hints of dried fruit, butter and toast.
Drinks from Chablis and Champagne are characterized by a high degree of acidity, which gives them a specific sharp taste with mineral tones.
Fruity tones are less noticeable here, the wines are light, fresh, refined and show themselves well in aging.
The bouquet clearly reveals apple-lemon notes with a slight honey aftertaste.
Burgundy products from Chardonnay are considered the standard in winemaking, and the variety itself received the unspoken title of “king of white wines.”
A special feature of drinks from this variety is a mild smoky flavor and a light lemon aroma.
Champagne is also made from Chardonnay, the most famous is Blanc de Blancs.
Producers of high-end products from Chardonnay
Domain of Romanee-Conti
Domaine Leroy
JP Chenet
Domain Vocoret
Joseph Drouhin
François de Nicolay
agitated
Domaine Billaud-Simon
Castle of La Saule
Chardonnay in Australia
Chardonnay is successfully grown in Australia – in the territories near Newcastle. The variety was brought here in the 19th century.
Local wines are characterized by oak and nut notes, rich pineapple flavor with hints of oriental sweets and gooseberries.
Among the manufacturers are popular:
Calabria Family Wines
Lindemans
Gramp & Sons
Hardy’s
D’Arenberg
Chardonnay in the USA
The most significant plantations of the “wine king” are located in California; the variety is also grown in the states of Oregon and Washington.
Local drinks have established themselves as some of the best examples of wines from Chardonnay.
Products from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys are full-bodied and rich in taste, in which you can clearly feel the spices, vanilla and oak notes.
The best wines are produced:
The Great Cellars of 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 states involved in the cultivation of Chardonnay, it is worth noting Italy, Moldova, Georgia, Slovenia, Argentina, Austria, Chile, Germany and New Zealand.
Winemakers in these regions also produce worthy examples of drinks from the “white king”.
How to drink Chardonnay
You can drink Chardonnay both at a young “age” and in an 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, it is supposed to pour no more than 100 ml of wine into it.
Chardonnay serving temperature also depends on 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, fruits or olives are also suitable.
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Relevance: 03.11.2018
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine by grape variety