Chardonnay

Location: Worldwide

Origin: Native to Burgundy, France

Top Growing Sites: Burgundy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, California, Chile, Argentina

Climate: Grows well merely in any climate; Wine profiles change depending on the region

  • Cooler Climates – Wines appear fresh and elegant with citrus and green apple nuances
  • Warmer Climates – Wines become full-bodied with tropical nuances

Soil Type: Chalk, Limestone, Clay

Wine Style: Dry, Still White Wine

Acidity: Medium Low (oaked warm climate) – Medium High (unoaked cool climate)

Glassware: Aroma Collector; A glass with a wide bowl and a narrow opening

Serving Temperature: Unoaked: 48 ºF (9 ºC) Oaked: 54 ºF (12 ºC)

Cellar: Varies on the bottle; around 5-10 years is common

Genetics/Parent Grapes: Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir

Vine Species: Vitis Vinifera

Flavor Profiles: Bright citrus fruit, lemon zest, tropical fruit, pineapple, star fruit, peach, toast, spice, melon, white floral notes, honeysuckle, ginger, apple, pear, melon, papaya, apricot, vanilla, crushed sea shells, wet stones, chalkiness, buttery

 

Fun Facts:

  • Chardonnay was introduced to California in the late 1800’s.

  • Chardonnay’s rise in Burgundy, France is largely attributed to the Queen and wife of Emperor Charlemagne… She was so fed up with the red wine stains in her husband’s beard that she demanded to cultivate white grapes on their estate (Infamously Known As: Cotron-Charlemagne).

  • Chardonnay is Pinot Noir’s daughter – you read that right! A crossing of Pinot Noir and an obscure grape variety called Gouais Blanc produced the most popular wine grape in the world.

  • Chardonnay takes its name from the village of Chardonnay in the Mâcon region of Burgundy, France.

  • Chardonnay is one of the signature grapes used in Champagne production, along with two black grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Champagne that is called a ‘Blanc de Blancs’ is made of 100% Chardonnay.