Chardonnay emanates tropical aromas and flavors like pineapple and mango when grown in warmer climates. The neutrality aspect of Chardonnay means it is an accurate demonstration of its climate and location and the characteristics of its terroir. Thus, it can be harvested before the autumn rain sets in – think of places like Champagne or Burgundy where autumn rains typically begin in late September. Because Chardonnay is early budding and early ripening, it can thrive in wine regions with short growing seasons. It is not unusual to walk through vineyards planted with Chardonnay and see each row with a sign that identifies the clones planted. For instance, the Chardonnay clones planted in the warmer regions of the New World will be different from the cool-loving clones planted in the Old World wine-growing regions and regions such as the Willamette Valley in Oregon, due to a climate similar to Burgundy’s. Many clonal varieties have been developed for their adaptive attributes to suit the vineyards’ terroir where the grapes are grown. However, today, with a reputation for relative ease of cultivation and ability to adapt to different conditions, it grows nearly everywhere wine is made. It is so complex and adaptable that, unlike aromatic white grape varieties (think Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling), it almost always goes through the same production methods as red wines – specifically, barrel fermentation and malolactic conversion.ĭuring the time of the Roman Empire, Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of France. Here is the most salient point to know about Chardonnay.
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In the winery, it demonstrates its malleability as it can be vinified in a vast and nuanced range of ways – in new oak barrels in old oak barrels in stainless steel and inert vessels aged for years or bottled young on the lees or not various levels of malolactic conversion or not and it is used in both still wine production, as well as being the main white grape variety used in the production of Champagne and sparkling wines. A winegrowers’ dream comes true it is a vigorous chameleon in the vineyard, as it can adapt to different soil types, altitudes, and climactic conditions. When a host offers you a glass of “white wine,” what is the first wine variety that pops into your head? Chardonnay, of course! It is the world’s most popular white wine grape as it produces a vast range of wine styles to suit every palate.