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Chardonnay is one of the most popular grape varieties in the world. While many people love it, some people advocate the ABC movement (Anything but Chardonnay) and exclude Chardonnay. What is so special about Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is native to the Burgundy region of France. It has been recorded in history as early as 1583 and was described as the most outstanding grape variety in Saone-et-Loire, France. However, Chardonnay was spelled Chardonnet at that time. In the 20th century, the Chardonnay production area, named after the Maconnais in the south of Burgundy, became famous. It was not until the 20th century that it was renamed "Chardonnay". Because of its appearance and that of Pinot Blanc, for a period of time people would accidentally mix the two to make white wine. Later, DNA identification showed that it was the descendant of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc.
Chardonnay has a very strong vitality. It can grow anywhere from cool to mild to hot. In addition, any soil suitable for wine grapes can be grown, with limestone and chalk being particularly suitable. However, Chardonnay has the chance of "over-fruiting", causing uneven ripeness of the fruit and affecting the quality of the wine. Therefore, immature green fruits and branches are usually cut away to control the growth of their branches and leaves to maintain the quality of the fruit. In addition, Chardonnay has thin skin and is susceptible to frost (especially in spring). However, even if there is frost damage, if the flowering period coincides with a rainy season, it will not be easy to bear fruit.
Chardonnay styles are varied and have their own characteristics in different production areas. It can be made into Blanc de blanc champagne, refreshing, or even rich and dry white wine. Chardonnay dry white wine often has fruit flavors of yellow apple, pineapple, and star fruit. Some of them are aged in oak barrels or on lees and have a vanilla flavor and creamy taste.
As mentioned above, Chardonnay has characteristics suitable for various climates, so its planting areas are all over the world. Currently, the three largest growing countries of Chardonnay are France, the United States and Australia. Italy, Chile, and South Africa also plant a large amount of it. Among them, the Burgundy and Champagne production areas in France are particularly famous.
Burgundy is one of Chardonnay's most famous production areas. Chablis, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault and Maconnais are quite famous in the area. Chablis is located at the northernmost point of Burgundy and has characteristic Kimmeridgean soils (chalk soil). The result is a white wine with obvious minerality, dry body and buttery and nutty style, with a refreshing taste and bright acidity.
Puligny-Montrachet has a strong aroma, a fresh floral aroma, a tense taste, and a full sense of minerality. You can often find fresh almonds and green apples. It has a mineral aroma and a firm and clear wine structure. Meursault wine is famous for its mellow aroma, full and round taste, and its price is relatively cheaper than the top Puligny-Montrachet. Maconnais is the southernmost of the three sub-regions mentioned above. It usually has more citrus fruit (grapefruit, orange) aromas and a thicker body.
Every inch of soil in Burgundy vineyards is precious, and prices are naturally rising. Regional-level Chardonnay white wines (Bourgogne, Cote D'Or, Cote de Beaue) are favored by many petty bourgeoisie due to their affordable prices and the ability to taste Burgundy style. Among them, Cote D'Or is a newly established legal production area (AOC) in 2017. Covers Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Therefore, regulations require that only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir be used. Cote d'Or is defined as a higher grade of Bourgogne AOC and the yield must be lower. Moreover, the geographical scope of Cote d'Or only covers Cote de Nuit and Cote de Beaune. It is more rigorous than Bourgogne AOC and the flavor is generally stronger than Bourgogne AOC.
It comes from the extremely low-yield Burgundy boutique winery Pierre Ravaut, with an annual output of only 3,500 bottles! ! Light golden yellow in color, it exudes the aroma of lemon, pear and almond. The taste is floral aroma of orange blossom and hawthorn, as well as the fruity taste of peach, mint and pineapple. The acidity is rounded and the dry body is refreshing.
California, USA, can be said to be one of the best producing areas for Chardonnay development outside of France. Napa Valley, Paso Robles and Lake County are quite famous local production areas. In the famous 1976 "Judgment of Paris" blind drinking competition between American and French wines, the American winery Montelena won the championship in the liquor category with its 1973 Chardonnay, which impressed many experts. Since then, the planting area of Chardonnay has increased significantly and it has become the most important white grape variety in California.
"The sun shines" and "the summer is hot" are many people's main impressions of California. However, California's area close to the Pacific Ocean, affected by the fog from the southern Gulf, has a cool climate, which is particularly suitable for the growth of Chardonnay. Napa Valley is located in a undulating coastal valley, with warm winters and cool summers. The wines produced are mostly full-bodied, often with flavors of pineapple and other tropical fruits. Some are aged in toasted oak barrels, and these wines generally have flavors of vanilla or even crème brûlée.
If you would like to receive more Chardonnay wine recommendations or related information, please do not hesitate to contact Manson & Kelvin 9881 7075