One of the most famous wines you can buy is Chardonnay. But what do you really know about this wine? For starters, did you know that the original grape comes from burgundy in France? Chardonnay is used in Chablis wine. It is said to contribute to the fresh and steely flavour of the wine. But it also used in many other wines throughout France. This includes those found in the Cte de Beaune and the appellation of Chassagne-Montrachet. Chardonnay is also used in some wines produced in the south of France. These are perhaps not as well known as their northern counterparts. However, wines from the Cte Chalonnaise are still highly desired for their creamy and nutty 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.
The character of Chardonnay changes substantially as we move south. It's traditional steely flavour becomes softer and almost buttery. Many people regard this as the true flavour of Chardonnay. But this can be toned down by blending the grape with other varieties. For instance, Chardonnay that is blended with Viognier will have a more fruity taste to it.
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.
You will find that the New World countries are actually the biggest cultivators of Chardonnay. It is particularly popular across Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia.
California probably has the biggest claim to Chardonnay. Here it is plentiful and grown in areas such as Napa and Sonoma. Landmark Chardonnay is a particularly good wine from Sonoma. It can also be found in Santa Barbara. These southern examples produce quality 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.
The character of Chardonnay changes substantially as we move south. It's traditional steely flavour becomes softer and almost buttery. Many people regard this as the true flavour of Chardonnay. But this can be toned down by blending the grape with other varieties. For instance, Chardonnay that is blended with Viognier will have a more fruity taste to it.
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.
You will find that the New World countries are actually the biggest cultivators of Chardonnay. It is particularly popular across Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia.
California probably has the biggest claim to Chardonnay. Here it is plentiful and grown in areas such as Napa and Sonoma. Landmark Chardonnay is a particularly good wine from Sonoma. It can also be found in Santa Barbara. These southern examples produce quality wines such as Wild Boy from Au Bon Climat.
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