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Monday 23 September 2013

French Chardonnay Wines And More

By Anita Hale


It is pretty self evident that chardonnay is the most famous white wine going. Chardonnay is one of the key noble grape varieties. There are over 1000 different varieties of these grapes that are currently used in wine-making. Chardonnay originates from the Burgundy region of France. Here it is used to produce afresh and very dry white wine. This is particularly true of the wine from the Chablis area. The limestone soil in Chablis is thought to contribute to the freshness in flavour.

This flavour gradually changes the further south the grape is found. For instance, the Cte Chalonnaise is renowned for producing the wines "Montagny" and "Mercurey." These wines differ in taste because they have a nutty softness to them. This gentle creaminess is said to be a result of old oak that is used in their production.

It is not just Burgundy where you will find the chardonnay grape. This is because it is one of a trio of white grapes that are permitted to be used in the making of champagne. Real champagne must be bottled and blended in the region of the same name. Chardonnay allowed to be blended with Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir to make champagne. However, champagne can also be produced using solely the chardonnay grape. You will find it growing on the chalky hills of the champagne region. These hills are called the Cte des Blancs. The champagne that chardonnay is used to make is labelled Blanc de Blancs.

If you travel further south you will find that the chardonnay tastes considerably different. For instance, it loses some of the richness it usually has and gains an oak-like quality. Sometimes you can even describe the flavour as being buttery. You can also find chardonnay that has been blended with other grape varieties. These grapes include Marsanne and Viognier. This blend will add a fruity dimension to the taste of the wine.

It is true that chardonnay is the main white grape of Burgundy. However, it is not exclusive to France. In fact, chardonnay is grown pretty much anywhere wine is being produced. This includes the Sussex and Surrey areas of England. The grape is grown here to help produce their sparkling wine. In Spain you can find chardonnay grapes growing in the Somontano. You can even find chardonnay in Northern Italy. But it is not as favoured as their local grapes.




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