Chardonnay

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Chardonnay

Chardonnay originates from Burgundy and is one of the most trusted and highly valued varieties of Vitis vinifera. Chardonnay is grown mainly in France, producing popular and fabulously expensive wines from the Cote de Beaune in Burgundy. As a popular international variety, it is especially known for its wines throughout Europe, from the USA's California and Washington states, and Australia, especially the regions of Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, Hunter Valley and Victoria.

Chardonnay is famous for its involvement in sparkling wine production as a key constituent of the Champagne Blend with its co-constituents Pinot Noir and Meunier. Some of the single varietal Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are the most admired wines in the world.

Chardonnay is also a key grape variety in many other sparkling wines including Cava, and Franciacorta. Chardonnay also blends successfully with Chenin Blanc to make Crémant de Loire in northern France, with Semillon to make full-bodied white wines of Australia, and with Columbard in the rich-fruit flavoured wines of South West France, Australia and South Africa.

Chardonnay offers high yields, reliable high ripeness and performs very responsively to skillful wine-making, showing aromas and flavours that include: lemon, butter, melon, apple, pineapple, vanilla, biscuit, pastry, peach, caramel, nuts, and honey.