The most common of all the noble grape varieties is Chardonnay. It can now be found and grown all over the world. However, Burgundy is the grape's real home. The wine it is used to produce in Burgundy has a distinctive flavour. This fresh and yet steely taste is down to the limestone soil that the grape grows in. Chardonnay is also used in some highly sought after wines produced in the Cte d'Or. Examples include wine from the appellation of Chassagne-Montrachet. Mersault is another highly prized wine made from Chardonnay. This is produced in the Cte de Beaune. There are also plenty of examples of Chardonnay found in the south of France. These wines are not as famous as those from northern France. However, they have a soft and creamy taste that many people love. This taste comes from the old oak that is used in their production.
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.
France is home to Chardonnay. But it can be found virtually anywhere that wine is produced. In England it grows in Sussex and is used to blend sparkling wine. In Italy it is blended with other white grapes that are grown locally. These tend to be found in the northern area of the country. Here Chardonnay is blended with the likes of Glera and Verdicchio. And let's not forget Spain. The Somontano is the region where it is most prevalent.
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.
But California is perhaps the biggest Chardonnay producer of them all. In fact, it has experienced something of a backlash because of this. Many of the Californian examples are deemed to be "over-oaked". There has even been a movement set up called the ABC Movement. This stands for "Anything But Chardonnay". Nevertheless there are some very good quality examples of Chardonnay grown in the Napa Valley. Here, the wine tastes rich and well-rounded.
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.
France is home to Chardonnay. But it can be found virtually anywhere that wine is produced. In England it grows in Sussex and is used to blend sparkling wine. In Italy it is blended with other white grapes that are grown locally. These tend to be found in the northern area of the country. Here Chardonnay is blended with the likes of Glera and Verdicchio. And let's not forget Spain. The Somontano is the region where it is most prevalent.
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.
But California is perhaps the biggest Chardonnay producer of them all. In fact, it has experienced something of a backlash because of this. Many of the Californian examples are deemed to be "over-oaked". There has even been a movement set up called the ABC Movement. This stands for "Anything But Chardonnay". Nevertheless there are some very good quality examples of Chardonnay grown in the Napa Valley. Here, the wine tastes rich and well-rounded.
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