Chardonnay
Originally the Chardonnay grape comes from Burgundy
but is now found all over the world. This is because the grape has a great adaptability. The grape can handle many different types of soil and climate. This results in good quality Chardonnay wine with various properties and tastes.
Color, odor and taste
The Chardonnay grape is early ripe and can withstand heat and cold. The grape is made into silent wines and sparkling wines such as champagne. Chardonnay is related to the burgundy and champagne grape Pinot Blanc but has a very different taste. Because this grape variety is planted all over the world, the tastes of the wine can also vary considerably. In regions with a cool climate, wines that taste more like fresh green apples. During the production of the wine, after the so-called malolactic fermentation, most malic acid smelling of these green apples is converted into the milder lactic acid. In the regions with a milder climate, the wine often gets the taste of melon. In the warm regions, exotic fruits such as pineapple and mango can be recognized much more often. Chardonnay can get a high alcohol percentage, so that it can tend to the sweet. A well-made chardonnay will have a long finish.
Chablis
White wines from Burgundy are considered by many enthusiasts to be the most refined wines in the world. Chablis wines are always made from 100% Chardonnay. There are many wine drinkers who are lyrical about these wines. Within Burgundy, the Chablis is without a doubt the most popular wine. The wine-food combination with crustaceans and shellfish are usually perfect to which the wine owes its nickname “Oyster Water”. The Chablis vineyards are located in the northernmost part of Burgundy where the Chardonnay is planted the most. Chardonnay is a strong grape variety that is not very sensitive to the cold.
Champagne
For many people, good champagne cannot be compared to other wines. Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced in the area of the same name in France. Most champagne is white (and the most famous) but there is also rosé champagne. Good sparkling wines are produced in many wine regions. Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region, made according to the method champenoise, can bear the name champagne.
Burgundy
Meursault wine
Meursault wine is counted among the top of the white burgundy wines. The vineyards around the village of Meursault produce quality wines that are rich but at the same time very refreshing. No grand crus can be found within this appellation. Very good premiere crus is made. The Meursault wine labels often state a separate name for the vineyard. The reason for this is that the winemakers want to emphasize the individual character of the different vineyards.
Wood or no wood?
The Chardonnay in France
Champagne: This grape is also often planted in the Champagne region. Because of her preference for calcareous soils, she is doing well there. Similarly, in Aisne, Aube and Côte Sézanne. Chardonnay can also be found on the Montagne de Reims, especially around Trépail and Sillery.
When only chardonnay is used for the production of champagne, one speaks of a “blanc de blancs”.
Other areas in France: Due to the wide employability of the chardonnay, it has been planted in many more regions.
The Chardonnay in other countries
Difference Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
The Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc are not to be confused. The Sauvignon Blanc has different sides, but the Chardonnay is more versatile. The most important difference is the acidity. The wines are not both sweet but in general wines made from Sauvignon are more acidic. A wine Chardonnay wine is fuller and softer.