Chardonnay

Latin Name: Vitis vinifera

Alcohol Level: 13.5 to 15%

Chardonnay wine is made from the Chardonnay Grape – A green skinned grape that is used to make the very popular Chardonnay variety of wines known for producing dry (low sugar) and popular flavors of wine. Chardonnay is most grown in France and California.

Origins and History

The Chardonnay wine grape originated in the Burgandy wine region of France but now is grown in all wine producing countries including the United States. California is the largest producer of Chardonnay grapes and wine,

Flavors

The wine produced from Chardonnay grapes can have a range of flavors that get their unique flavors from the fermentation and production processes as well as the oak barrels that they are aged in. In the United States early on many of the barrels were new, however over years the aged barrels have been used to provide a more balanced wine taste. Chardonnay wine is known often for having a buttery taste that comes from Malolactic fermentation. Oak flavors are derived from the oak barrels the wines are aged in.

Growing Locations

Chardonnay grapes are grown most heavily in France and California, and specifically in the United States in northern state regions. California is known for producing the most in the U.S.. Southern states, due to higher heat and humidity as well as disease which the Chardonnay grape is susceptible to are poor areas for growing this popular grape, though many of the wineries in these areas do purchase from popular areas such as California and produce their own Chardonnay wines.

American Growing

In the US the Chardonnay is the dominant variety of grape grown primarily in California. Chardonnay in America grows well but is uniquely different from the grape as grown in France. The grape is grown in multiple regions through the United States though particularly well in upper latitudes such as California, and most specifically northern California including the Napa Valley. Some areas, such as the Southeastern U.S. have difficulty in growing the Chardonnay due to heat and humid climates as well as disease such as Pierce’s disease prevent the grape from growing reliably. In these areas the native Muscadine grape accounts for most of the grape production.

The United States is responsible for the second most grown number of acres for the Chardonnay grape.

How to serve

Sparkling Chardonnay is served very chilled at 38-45 degrees (F) while other types including Chablis should be served cool at about 45 degrees though not as cold. Oak styles are normally served at about 55 degrees.

Wines are normally served in stemmed wine glasses so that the warmth of the hand does not affect the temperature of the wine. Sparkling wines should be served in a Flute glass.

Winemaking Notes

The original Chardonnay grape was cloned in Wente California from the early grapes grown in Burgandy France, thus the name of the Wente clone for the Chardonnay grape. This grape variety is responsible for almost 80% of the grapes grown in America.

Florida and Chardonnay

Florida has difficulty in growing the Chardonnay due to heat and humid climates as well as disease such as Pierce’s disease prevent the grape from growing reliably. In these areas the native Muscadine grape accounts for the vast majority of grape production.

References

Chardonnay – How to serve
https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/

Chardonnay Wine Grapes (Purchase)
https://onegreenworld.com/product/chardonnay-dijon-76-2/

Buyer on the road: The three styles of California Chardonnay
https://www.the-buyer.net/tasting/wine/history-chardonnay-california-told-six-wines

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