This week our focus is on the well-known grape variety Chardonnay.

Grape Variety: Chardonnay

Species: Vitis vinifera

Chardonnay Styles: Chardonnay still wines are produced with oak and other Chardonnay still wines are unoaked. Chardonnay grapes are frequently used to produce sparkling wines. In the Champagne region, Chardonnay grapes are considered a primary grape for producing Champagne. 

History: Dates back to the Middle Ages; research places the Chardonnay variety to have originated in France, particularly Burgundy.

Where it Grows: Chardonnay is well known in France, particularly Burgundy and Champagne. Chardonnay is also found in Italy, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Chardonnay Notes: apple, pear, citrus, peach, apricot, melon, banana, pineapple, toast, vanilla, butter, minerality

Food to Pair: fruit, fish including salmon and halibut, crab, risotto, cheese, poultry

Interesting Tidbits:

In the Wine Trail Traveler book, …. We wrote, “When tasting a Chardonnay, first determine whether it has been aged in oak or in stainless steel. Then look for nuances in the wine including many types of fruit. Tasters may also note a buttery essence to the wine. Flavors of Chardonnay are influenced and dependent upon the climate where the grapes are grown.”

Note: ABC refers to people who enjoy wine but ask for “Anything But Chardonnay.”