Chardonnay

A noble Burgundy grape variety, Chardonnay belongs to the Noiriens family, resulting from a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, and is recognisable by its small, elongated bunches. Widespread in France, it ranks second among white grape varieties in terms of area under cultivation and has truly conquered the world with its remarkable adaptability. Chardonnay produces the most prestigious white wines, characterised by refined flavours and remarkable vibrancy.

Chardonnay produces wines with a wide range of aromas and flavours. There are oak-aged vintages matured in barrels, whilst other vintages that have not been in contact with wood will develop more pronounced floral aromas. Ideal for ageing, it responds very well to maturation in oak barrels and long ageing once bottled. Depending on the terroirs and winemaking techniques, this grape variety offers a lovely minerality and yields rich and highly varied aromas, the most characteristic of which are toast, almond, citrus, fresh butter, honey and, under the best conditions, a mineral touch ranging from damp stone to flint. Chardonnay is also frequently used in the production of Champagne, where it is blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to create exceptional sparkling wines.

Various techniques are used during the winemaking process to produce Chardonnay-based wines. For a long time, this grape variety was vinified as a single-varietal wine, to the detriment of diversifying the cultivation of other grape varieties. This trend began to reverse in the 2000s, much to the delight of connoisseurs eager for bold experiments in viticulture and winemaking. It can also be used in blends, as in the Champagne region or in New World wines. Discovering wine through grape varieties is an excellent way to explore soils and climates, particularly with Chardonnay! Whether from around the world, as a single-varietal wine or not, the pleasure lies in blind tasting. Its taste qualities, combining aromatic power and refinement, have made it a globally prized star.

From north to south across Burgundy, the Chardonnay grape thrives remarkably well, producing dry, fruity and highly elegant white wines. This famous French wine-growing region dedicates the vast majority of its vineyards to Chardonnay, a variety that has flourished wonderfully for centuries. The Burgundy vineyards have become a benchmark for the cultivation and vinification of Chardonnay. The region’s temperate climate provides the ideal conditions for producing truly great wines and exceptional appellations, such as Chablis and Meursault.

Originating in Burgundy, Chardonnay—a true star on the world stage—is now one of the most widely planted grape varieties, producing a wide range of wine styles. Thanks to its incredible ability to grow and thrive in different types of soil and under various climates, 100% Chardonnay wines are all unique, whether they come from Burgundy, the United States, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand! These are all countries where Chardonnay has successfully adapted to very different terroirs and climates.

In the United States, in the region of California, Chardonnay takes centre stage. It has been the most widely planted and cultivated grape variety for several decades. With hot summers and mild winters, California’s Mediterranean climate is particularly well suited to growing this grape variety, producing some of the world’s finest Chardonnays. The Napa Valley wine region is notably regarded as one of the most prestigious regions for Chardonnay production. Californian white wines made from the Chardonnay grape have their own distinctive style. They are often characterised by their rich fruitiness, full body and creamy texture. Notes of tropical fruit, vanilla and oak are also common in these Californian wines due to the frequent use of oak barrels for ageing.

This star grape variety has also made its mark in South America and South Africa, where it is grown in numerous wine-growing regions. Some truly outstanding Chardonnay wines can be found in Chile, in the magnificent Central Valley and the Maipo Valley. These Chilean wines often have high acidity and flavours of tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. In Argentina, Chardonnay is widely grown in the Mendoza wine region, where the white wines are elegant and fruity, with aromas of apple, peach and melon. The Uco Valley, with its relatively high altitudes and significant temperature variations, favours intense aromatic concentration, spicy notes, as well as lovely acidity on the palate and great freshness. Finally, in South Africa, Chardonnay is grown in the Western Cape wine region, particularly in the Stellenbosch and Walker Bay areas, producing elegant, fresh and fruity white wines with citrus and peach aromas.

In Australia, Chardonnay has established itself in just a few years as the iconic white grape variety, renowned for producing exceptional white wines. Chardonnay thrives in the Hunter Valley, Margaret River and Yarra Valley regions. The wines are particularly rich and complex, with flavours of tropical fruit, peach and vanilla. They are aged in oak barrels, which gives them a creamy texture and flavours of hazelnut and toast. New Zealand also produces top-quality wines, particularly in the famous wine region of Marlborough. New Zealand Chardonnay is thus distinguished by its great aromatic richness, with tropical fruit and citrus aromas combined with mineral notes.

Although this grape variety is often associated with the production of still wines, Chardonnay is also used to produce a prestigious sparkling wine: Champagne. In the region, it is mainly grown in the Côtes des Blancs, the paradise of Chardonnay, to produce the Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

Blanc de Blancs refers to a type of champagne made exclusively from white grapes with white juice, including Chardonnay. Pinot Blanc and Arbane are two other varieties permitted under the appellation, though they are far less common. 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs differ from champagnes produced using traditional blends combining white grapes and black grapes. They exhibit the characteristics of Chardonnay, renowned for its minerality, freshness and elegance. Champagnes of great finesse!

Chardonnay is also used in the production of other types of champagne. It is notably used in the production of brut champagnes. This nectar is produced from a blend of varying proportions of the three main Champagne grape varieties, namely Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This variety also contributes to the production of blended rosé champagne, resulting from the mixture of white and red grape musts. Chardonnay lends it elegance, freshness, finesse and citrus aromas. However, Chardonnay is not one of the grape varieties used to produce Blanc de Noirs champagne. This champagne is in fact produced exclusively from red grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.

Burgundy white wines made from Chardonnay are highly prized around the world and are often regarded as prestigious wines. The Côte de Beaune is one of Burgundy’s most prestigious wine-growing regions for the production of Chardonnay-based white wines. The most famous appellations of the Côte de Beaune include Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne. Chablis, situated in the far north of Burgundy, is also renowned for its Chardonnay-based white wines, although these are often considered to have a more mineral and fresh character than the wines of the Côte de Beaune. Finally, the Mâconnais, situated further south in Burgundy, is also an important region for the production of white wines made from Chardonnay. The best-known appellations of the Mâconnais include Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Viré-Clessé. These wines are often considered to have a fruitier and lighter character than those of the Côte de Beaune, but they are also highly appreciated by wine lovers.

Apart from Burgundy and Champagne, Chardonnay is grown in other French wine-growing regions. This grape variety is planted across the production areas of various appellations. In Languedoc, Chardonnay thrives particularly well in the cool soils of the Limoux AOC. It can be vinified as a single-varietal wine or blended with Chenin and Mauzac. Dominated by Chardonnay, Limoux white wine develops notes of candied citrus, vanilla and toasted hazelnut. In the Loire Valley, the Crémant de Loire AOC is one of the appellations d’origine contrôlée using Chardonnay, vinified as a single-varietal wine or blended with Chenin.

The Jura vineyards also offer the chance to discover the many facets of this grape variety. The Côtes du Jura appellation is particularly famous for its dry white Chardonnay wines. This variety produces very fruity wines with a pronounced minerality when young. It is also one of the grape varieties used to make the famous vin de paille, a sweet wine typical of the Jura region produced under the Côtes du Jura, Étoile and Arbois AOCs.

Generally speaking, white wines made from the Chardonnay grape tend to be quite dry. However, there are variations in the way Chardonnay is produced, which can result in wines that are more or less sweet. Indeed, some wine-growing regions and producers may add dosage during the winemaking process.

Although Chablis and Chardonnay are often associated with one another, there is one key difference between the two. Chablis refers to a wine-growing region covering some twenty communes in Burgundy, whilst Chardonnay is a white grape variety native to the region. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, Chablis wines are classified under four appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. These dry white wines are renowned for their freshness, purity, finesse and minerality. When produced elsewhere, Chardonnays may have a woody aromatic profile. Some vintages are richer and rounder on the palate.

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are two very different white grape varieties, both in terms of their taste characteristics and their production methods. The biggest difference between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lies in the glass! With very distinct aromas, Sauvignon Blanc reveals more citrus notes, whilst Chardonnay is characterised mainly by stone fruit aromas. Sauvignon Blanc offers high acidity, a lively, herbaceous flavour, with notes of tropical fruit and citrus. It is often produced in cooler regions, such as the Loire in France, New Zealand and Northern California. Chardonnay, on the other hand, is a richer, fruitier grape variety, with aromas of apple, peach, hazelnut and butter. It is often aged in oak barrels to add notes of vanilla and caramel. It is produced in warmer regions, such as Burgundy in France, California, Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa.

Depending on its origin and winemaking process, Chardonnay can be enjoyed in different ways. Wines made from this grape variety can be enjoyed throughout a meal, from aperitif to dessert. As for serving temperature, these wines are generally best served between 8°C and 14°C. For example, Blanc de Blancs champagne is best enjoyed at 8°C. Petit Chablis and Chablis are served at a temperature of 10°C. Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis Grand Cru, as well as Meursault and Pouilly-Fuissé, are best enjoyed between 12°C and 14°C.

This king of Burgundy grape varieties produces wines with a pale gold or golden colour, an elegant and fresh bouquet, marked acidity and a supple, slightly oaky finish. Thanks to its wide range of aromas and its many facets, Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that pairs easily with food, offering a wide range of food and wine pairings. Easy to pair, it is the perfect companion for aperitifs and works wonders with a wide variety of white meats, such as chicken or veal. The richness of Chardonnay makes for an exceptional pairing with seafood, oysters and fish, whether raw or cooked, particularly with all oily fish, crab and lobster. When it comes to cheese, its rich texture and natural acidity make it an ideal companion for a wide range of cheeses, particularly soft or creamy varieties. A global icon among great white wines, Chardonnay promises you an exceptional tasting experience!

Choosing a Chardonnay depends on many factors, including the wine-growing region, the type of wine (still or sparkling, dry, off-dry or sweet), the appellation, the aromatic profile (mineral, floral, oaky, fruity or spicy) and the winemaking process. The choice of a Chardonnay also depends on food pairings. Finally, the price of the wine can be a factor in selecting a bottle. Looking for that rare gem? Thanks to its various filters (price, type, packaging, producer, country, region, storage, vintage, etc.), Vinatis helps you find your favourite wine more quickly and with less effort.

The price of a bottle of Chardonnay varies depending on a number of factors, including the winery, the appellation, the vintage and the bottle size. At Vinatis, Chardonnay wines are available at prices ranging from £10 to £1000. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a wine that suits your needs.

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