The Chardonnay
grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around
the world.
The original fame of Chardonnay comes from it's success in the
Burgundy
and Champagne regions of France.
White Burgundy must be made from the Chardonnay grape unless the
label indicates it was made from a much less well known grape,
Aligote
Chardonnay takes oak well, and many higher priced Chardonnays
are typically fermented and/or aged in oak barrels. When Chardonnay
is aged in oak barrels, it may pick up vanilla overtones in its
aromas and flavor.
Chardonnay also ages well in the bottle, though it will not age
as long as many red wines. It likes slightly cooler climates (warm
days/cool nights) and develops less acidity than Sauvignon
Blanc. Some producers put their Chardonnay (or some
of it) through malolactic fermentation which reduces crispness
and brings out a rich, buttery taste. This usually shortens the
life of the wine as far as aging is concerned.
