Chardonnay [shar-dn-AY; shar-doh-NAY]

from

Just as CABERNET SAUVIGNON has become the most popular high-quality red-wine grape, Chardonnay has taken the lead for first-class white-wine grapes—and with even greater ardor. Although some argue that the RIESLING grape produces the finest white wines, Chardonnay is being extensively planted throughout the world. In addition to being highly prized, Chardonnay is easy to grow and quite versatile. It’s high in EXTRACT and, unless picked late, has good ACID levels. The wide range of growing soils, as well as the winemaker’s influence, produces a diverse spectrum of Chardonnay wines with varying characteristics. Their flavors can be described as BUTTERY, CREAMY, NUTTY, SMOKY, and STEELY; popular fruit descriptors include APPLEY, lemon, melon, and pineapple. Chardonnay’s origins are believed to be from the Pinot family (PINOT NOIR, PINOT GRIS, PINOT BLANC) on one side and a mediocre variety called Gouais Blanc on the other. Gouais Blanc, which is no longer grown in France, appears to be identical to Heunischweiss, a variety once widely grown in eastern Europe. Chardonnay’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the BURGUNDY region. The highly prized Chardonnay wines from CHABLIS, CORTON CHARLEMAGNE, MÂCON, MEURSAULT, MONTRACHET, and POUILLY-FUSSÉ are imitated by winemakers around the world. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the CHAMPAGNE district where it’s picked before fully ripe while it still has high ACID and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and has come into prominence with its delightful Chardonnay wines from a number of wineries across the state. In addition to the hundreds of wineries in California, over 200 wineries in other parts of the United States are producing Chardonnay wines. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, with excellent wines from several wineries including Petaluma and Leeuwin. As this grape’s popularity grows, new vineyards of Chardonnay are being planted throughout the world in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, and other parts of France. Chardonnay is also called Beaunois, Gamay Blanc, Melon d’Arbois, and Pinot Chardonnay. It’s sometimes mistakenly referred to as PINOT BLANC, which is a different variety.