Chardonnay (2.368)

What some describe as a weakness of Chardonnay is in truth its strength. The wine from this noble grape variety is crisp, fresh, but also neutral in taste. However, once the grapes arrive in the cellars of the wineries, the winemaker can leave his stamp. The terroir is also clearly reflected in its bright character. It is a true blessing that Chardonnay has found a home all over the world.

Chardonnay Wine – an Elysian Experience

Only a few know the place, but the wine is known worldwide. Chardonnay has the ability to adapt - whether it's terroir or taste. Wherever white wine is made, Chardonnay is in the game. Winemakers and connoisseurs love the grape for its peculiarities. Good taste, combined with local influences. A wine for every day and every occasion. A noble vine that requires no grand introduction. Flavorful and refreshing as Chardonnay is, we do it anyway.

Origin and History

Chardonnay gets its name from the small village of Chardonnay near the town of Mâcon in Burgundy. Or the other way around? Experts still debate this today. Only one thing is clear: Chardonnay is a cross between Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) and Pinot. And thus native to Burgundy. DNA analyses have determined this. It is equally evident that Chardonnay thrives in almost all soils. The grape variety quickly spread throughout France – not least due to an imperial decree. Charlemagne promoted viticulture, and Benedictine and Cistercian monks made Chardonnay popular all over Europe. The little effort required, combined with good yield, soon made this noble grape variety popular around the globe. Today, Chardonnay is the epitome of white wine from America to South Africa and New Zealand.

According to legend, it was Charlemagne's wife who drove the cultivation of white grape varieties. She found the constant red wine stains in her husband's large white beard improper and unsightly. Soon, numerous vineyards were cultivated with white grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Aligoté. The Corton-Charlemagne site still testifies to the close connection of the Frankish emperor with viticulture in Europe.

Chardonnay Wines – the Freedom to Drink

Anyone who drinks through the wide world of wine cannot help but try a Chardonnay. Whether it's white wine, dessert wine, Champagne, sparkling wine, Metodo Classico, or Spumante. Winemakers are constantly bringing new creations from all corners of the world to market. They surpass each other time and again and experiment with Chardonnay. The soil plays a significant role in how the wine ultimately presents itself. Chardonnay grows almost everywhere: France, USA, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Austria, Spain, South Africa, Germany, etc. As long as the soil is deep and the surface warm, the fairly robust Chardonnay grape thrives in the vineyards.

Freedom – Chardonnay Flavor

Chardonnay wine has a high extract content and thus a full, often velvety body. The relatively neutral aroma can be expanded through numerous interventions by the winemaker. However, with under-ripe grapes, the wine tastes thin and grassy. Fully ripe grapes transform into fresh-fruity wines with hints of fruit and flowers, often also herbs and minerals. Chardonnay is known for its high alcohol content, starting at around 13% vol. Depending on the development, Chardonnay unites numerous aromas, such as raspberry, apple, hazelnut, marzipan, vanilla, peach, tomato, tobacco, and tea. There is something for everyone. The wine also enjoys developing a complex profile, which particularly unfolds after longer aging. However, only the best Chardonnay wines are suitable for this. Overall, the accessible white wine impresses in many facets and surpasses other white Burgundy varieties with ease.

Chardonnay Facts

1. Chardonnay wine is a white wine made from the white Chardonnay grape.
2. It has a medium body and a lively bouquet, with aromas of citrus, apple, pear, melon, honey, caramel, and vanilla.
3. Chardonnay is a popular wine in many parts of the world.
4. Chardonnay wines are usually dry, but they also taste good semi-dry or sweet.
5. Chardonnay wines are light and harmonious, pairing well with a variety of dishes, especially poultry, fish, and seafood dishes.

Chardonnay Fun Facts

1. For years, it was believed that Chardonnay originated from the Near East until DNA analysis proved that Chardonnay is a mutation of Heunisch and Pinot, thus originating from France.
2. ABC: Anything But Chardonnay. Too many cheap wines and overproduction have tarnished Chardonnay's white reputation, causing many to avoid the wine. Fortunately, quality has improved significantly worldwide.
3. Due to the prominence of the character Chardonnay Lane-Pascoe in the TV series Footballer’s Wives, 65 children were born with this name in 2002. The year before, there were none.
4. Chardonnay means thistle place / place with many thistles
5. Although Chardonnay was only approved in 1991, it had been grown in sunny Baden since the 1950s, albeit mistakenly under the name Weißburgunder.

Natural Talent – the Origin of Chardonnay

The name comes from the small municipality Chardonnay, from where monks spread the grape variety throughout Europe. The ease of cultivation, the ability to influence the taste in the cellar, and the aroma piqued the wine world's curiosity. It quickly became apparent that Chardonnay could be grown almost anywhere. Today, Chardonnay white wine can be found from every corner of the world. Over 200,000 hectares of vineyard area are utilized worldwide. Furthermore, each winemaker produces their Chardonnay either dry, semi-dry, sweet, noble sweet, extra brut, brut, or dry-sec. Diverse, adaptable, and delicious do not suffice to describe the best Chardonnay white wines. So why is it called the queen of white wine? Goddess of white wine is more fitting.

Countries Where Chardonnay Grows and Thrives

Chardonnay is one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties in the world, thus found in all major and minor wine countries. France has the largest stock with over 47,000 hectares of vineyard area, predominantly in the famous locations of Côte de Beaune, Mâcon, and Chablis in Burgundy. Other notable cultivation areas exist in Champagne and Languedoc-Roussillon.

With 41,000 hectares of land, the USA is dedicated to Chardonnay. California, in particular, produces excellent results, surpassing even some French wines in blind tastings. Oregon and Washington have significantly less vineyard area compared to California, but even here, the demanding grape variety thrives splendidly.

Australia also frequently grabs attention at awards. The Aussies take their own route and showcase previously unseen potential from the approximately 21,000 hectares planted with Chardonnay.

In Italy, Chardonnay grows on about 19,000 hectares, primarily in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino Alto-Adige in the north of the country. Chile follows with about 11,000 hectares. Other countries with large Chardonnay vineyard areas include Spain (7,000 ha), South Africa (7,000 ha), Argentina (6,000 ha), and China (6,000 ha). Also Moldova, Israel, Georgia, Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia, New Zealand, Austria, Romania, Ukraine, Canada, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Globally widespread and always on the rise, Chardonnay vineyard area continues to grow. Some may wonder why established wine countries like Germany and Austria still cultivate only a few hectares of Chardonnay. The reason is simple: The grape variety was only approved a few years ago. In Germany in 1991, in Austria even later in 1999, but in both countries, the vineyard area has been expanding since then.

Chardonnay ranks fifth in terms of vineyard area, positioned between Tempranillo and Syrah, yet it is the number 2 most cultivated white grape variety, behind Airén, which is primarily used for brandy in Spain.

Regions Related to the Chardonnay Grape Variety

Burgundy (Chablis, Mâcon, Côte de Beaune)

All major white wines from Burgundy are closely connected with Chardonnay. Within the boundaries of this region lie famous appellations that have paved the way for the success of Chardonnay. The Côte de Beaune presents wines from the top locations of the municipalities Montrachet, Meursault, and Aloxe-Corton. The wine from Montrachet is among the most sought-after – and thus also the most expensive. On calcareous weathered debris with deep soil, only the white grape variety grows, and that to perfection. With just 8 hectares, Chardonnays are created that all others aspire to.

Somewhat further south, from Mâcon, from a village called Chardonnay, come the typically French-fresh Chardonnays as they are known. Light, uncomplicated, and clearly shaped by the terroir.

Chablis with the surrounding calcareous Grand Cru sites in the north of Burgundy is, on the other hand, a whole different world. This municipality is likely the one most responsible for the global popularity of Chardonnay. At one point, Chablis was even synonymous with white wine. Therefore, many different grape varieties were marketed under its name overseas. However, Chablis can only be found here, in the north of Burgundy, and nothing else. For white wine from Chablis to be called Chablis, it must be vinified from Chardonnay from local vineyard sites. And it must be pure Chardonnay.

Champagne

No introduction is needed for Champagne. Externally, it radiates a touch of luxury. But for us, the internal qualities that constitute the sparkling pleasure matter. And that is Chardonnay. As one of the few permitted varieties, the white wine plays the leading role, alongside the red grape varieties Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. In the Côte de Blancs, even pure Chardonnay Champagnes, the Blancs de Blancs, are vinified.

Languedoc (Limoux)

With a vineyard area larger than the entire German one, it is no surprise that Languedoc also has place for Chardonnay. In particular, the sub-region Limoux and the Crémant de Limoux benefit from the clay and calcareous soils of the light-bodied Chardonnay.

California (Counties Sonoma, Napa, Monterey)

It was a blind tasting in 1976 that helped California Chardonnay boom. United winemakers from the Chateau Montelena winery in California's Napa Valley won against Burgundy's giants. And that with a French jury! The wine tasting known as Paris Wine Tasting sparked heated discussions and a major upswing in the USA. In the meantime, California cultivated more Chardonnay vineyard area than France. Initially, they still tried to reproduce the Burgundy style until the winemakers settled on their own style: creamy and full-bodied Chardonnays with a distinct wood note.

Hunter Valley

Like many grape varieties, Chardonnay made its way to Australia in 1832 in the luggage of James Busby. However, the grape became successful only around 1971. This was after Murray Tyrell stole some cuttings from the experimental garden of Penfold’s in 1968 and planted them in the Hunter Valley. Three years later, Chardonnay's success began. Due to the hot climate, Australian winemakers added oak chips and acid to the wine. This gives the wine a rich character. The style became influential, and soon, Chardonnay was grown in every wine region.

South Tyrol

Chardonnay is by no means new in Trentino Alto-Adige. For a long time, it was called Yellow Pinot Blanc. Essentially, it was equated with Pinot Blanc, mixed plantings were common, and joint vinification occurred. In addition to a handful of sparkling wines, it is primarily the fresh-fruity Chardonnays typical for the heights of South Tyrol.

Franciacorta

The sparkling wines from the DOC Franciacorta are oriented towards Champagne - so Chardonnay is involved. Whether pure or in a blend with Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay belongs to the premier league of sparkling wines. Thus, it earns its place on the approximately 230 hectares of vineyard area south of Lake Iseo.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Right at the border with Slovenia, the vineyards of Friuli-Venezia Giulia nestle against the Alps. The mix of maritime and alpine climate benefits the Chardonnay grapes well. They develop a fruity character with hints of tropical fruits. An exotic note is highlighted by Alpine herbs.

Mendoza

Mendoza, and Argentina in general, is not primarily associated with white wine. However, this did not stop some winemakers from trying at altitudes of up to 1450 meters. It was said that the wines would never ripen - a misconception. Chardonnay wines from Mendoza regularly rank among the best wines from overseas. Delicate, mineral, and full of finesse, the wines from the stronghold of Malbec are in a league of their own. Even far from the mighty Andes, Chardonnay thrives due to the desert climate of the surrounding area. It produces a wine, though not of the highest quality, that has established the noble grape in Argentina. The higher the winemakers plant Chardonnay, the better the quality. Malbec can comfortably give way - the white wine from Mendoza is on the rise.

The Chardonnay Grape Under the Microscope

Lineage, Mutations, and New Breeds

Chardonnay is a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot.

There are countless clones and three known mutations.

• Chardonnay Musqué - a white grape variety whose grapes have a musky tone.
• Chardonnay Rosé – a pink mutation of the white Chardonnay, registered in the Federal Plant Variety Office since 2019.
• Melon à Queue Rouge - a mutation from the French Jura region with a reddish stem.

The good properties of the Chardonnay grape variety are often used for new breeds. Known new breeds include

• Chardon
• Chardonel
• Charmont
• Chasan
• Cristina
• Doral
• Heranecot
• Korai Gyöngy
• Liliorila, Perdea
• Perraton
• Ravat Blanc
• Sila
• Sukholimansky Bely
• Tissier Ravat

In Australia, Chardonnay is blended with Sémillon. The cuvée is named Semchard.

Ampelographic Characteristics

The Chardonnay grape variety has often been confused with other grape varieties due to morphological similarities. This includes especially the Burgundy varieties, but also Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Traminer, or Aligoté. A closer look is indeed necessary to recognize the differences. The shoot tips are open, the petiole sinus is U- to V-shaped, and the grapes are medium-sized and compact. Ultimately, noticeable differences in color become apparent at full ripeness, as Chardonnay colors greenish-yellow to amber. The ampelographer Victor Pulliat had already differentiated between Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc in 1868, while the rest of Europe had issues with a unified identification until a few years ago.

Soil & Climate Requirements for the Chardonnay Grape Variety

Calcareous soils offer the best conditions for the Chardonnay grape. However, it thrives in almost all soils as long as they have sufficient depth for necessary water supply.

Warmth is beneficial for Chardonnay. But a temperate climate, as in Burgundy, is sufficient for the variety to achieve perfect ripeness.

Sensitivity to Diseases

Due to thin skins and the production of excessive shoots, Chardonnay is prone to berry botrytis, which leads to negative qualities in the grapes. Additionally, the variety is quite susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew, as well as grey mold rot and infestation with phytoplasma. Small berry size and yellowing can also be issues. The grape borer prefers Chardonnay grapes over other grape varieties.

The vine is sensitive to late frost during its medium-early budding, but is usually harvested before frost occurs.

Yield and Harvest

The Chardonnay grape variety ripens moderately to moderately late. Under good conditions, it yields medium-high and regular yields. However, with too high yields, the quality suffers, thus requiring a reduction in yield.

Vinification

The grape variety is usually vinified dry and is also excellently suited for sparkling and noble sweet wines. Chardonnay is mostly served in its dry form. The dry vinification emphasizes acidity and the character of Chardonnay more strongly. In the cellar, the winemaker has the choice of conducting malolactic fermentation or not. The conversion of tartaric acid into lactic acid gives the wine a creamy character. Barrel aging is rare in white wines, but it enjoys great popularity with Chardonnay. This imparts a woody note to the wine with aromas of vanilla and smoke. Wines from stainless steel tanks are fruity and mineral.

Chardonnay presents itself in many variations and adeptly caters to numerous tastes.

Chardonnay at VINELLO

The crisp Chardonnay wine is just waiting to delight you with its fine aroma and fresh taste. What could be better than having the queen of white wine at home? At VINELLO, you will find top-notch white wines from around the world, and particularly fine variations of Chardonnay.

Order your favorite wine online, experience fast shipping and delivery, and personal service. Everything for your enjoyment, everything for a glass of Chardonnay in your hand. Individual bottles or as wine packages with extra content. Enjoy sunny days and shining Chardonnay white wines. Day by day - with the wine shop VINELLO and a star of the wine world.