Chardonnay, a distinctive set of aromas and unparalleled elegance
Originating in Burgundy, Chardonnay is grown and appreciated worldwide in a variety of styles. These vary widely depending on where it is grown (climate, soils) and how it is treated by winemakers (vinification with oak or stainless steel). Its most famous products are generally grouped under the term Burgundy white wines.
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A Burgundian origin for worldwide popularity
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wines. It originated in the Burgundy wine region in eastern France. According to DNA analysis, it is believed to be a hybrid of Gouais blanc and Pinot Noir. Highly prized for its elegance, diversity, and distinctive aromas, it quickly spread to other wine regions in France and around the world.
In fact, shortly after chardonnay gained popularity in the Burgundy region, Champagne winemakers also began growing it, eventually using it as the main ingredient in their sparkling wines. In fact, this grape variety had developed very different characteristics in Champagne compared to those it had in Burgundy. Winemakers therefore began to realize its distinctive character, as it truly expressed the terroir. This discovery helped the grape variety spread rapidly around the world (United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Spain, Bulgaria).
Its ability to adapt to a wide variety of climates, soils, and viticultural contexts has allowed it to become the most widely grown grape variety in the world among all white grape varieties.
Thus, when planted in a warm climate, it produces rich wines with aromas of ripe fruit and full of tropical flavors. In a cooler climate, it produces lively, mineral wines and expresses fruity aromas of apple, lemon, pear, and grapefruit, as well as earthy notes. In temperate climates, however, it produces full-bodied, softer wines. The aromas it expresses are mainly those of white fruits such as citrus fruits or peaches.
Physical and physiological characteristics
Physically, Chardonnay has young green leaves with bronze patches, herbaceous shoots with red internodes. Sparse to moderately dense appressed hairs are found at the ends of the young shoots. An orbicular shape, entire or with 5 indistinct lobes for adult leaves. A narrow petiole sinus with limited background, lobe teeth slightly shorter than they are wide, and straight sides. A blade with weak veins and a few erect hairs.
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Small to medium-sized, cylindrical, and compact bunches. Relatively small and spherical berries. Quite thin skin, and a color that tends toward amber-yellow in the sun.
Furthermore, it is somewhat early-ripening, which exposes it to spring frosts. It has medium to low vigor, which does not prevent it from being pruned short. It is moderately susceptible to downy mildew, and rarely affected by powdery mildew and especially by grey rot. Finally, it excels in soils with a high content of chalk, clay, and limestone, and good water retention capacity.
Chardonnay and the famous Burgundy white wines
Finding a bottle labeled "Chardonnay" is very difficult. Wines made from this grape variety usually bear the name of the terroir or vineyard of origin on the label. Its best productions are known as "Burgundy white wines" and are made without any blending with another grape variety. These are mainly the white wines from the following vineyards:
Côte de Beaune
This vineyard produces the greatest white wines of Burgundy. They come mainly from the Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Corton-Charlemagne appellations. Unlike other Burgundy whites, the wines from this vineyard are fermented, aged in oak barrels, and fuller-bodied. They have fruity aromas like those of the other regions.
The use of oak in the vinification process is what truly distinguishes the wines of the Côte de Beaune. Oak introduces more oxygen into the vinification process, which gives the wines smoky flavors and adds some aromatic compounds. Also, they often undergo an additional process (malolactic fermentation), which increases the richness of their texture (oily and buttery).
Chablis
Here, the cool climate and northern latitude barely allow the grapes to ripen, thus offering a leaner style of wine with higher acidity. Its wines are rather light, while presenting fruitier bouquets and a floral note. They are more varied, due to the fact that they do not depend on the additional flavors of oak, but on those of stainless steel.
They are made in an environment with less oxygen, in order to preserve their freshness and acidity, and are not suited for oak aging.
Mâconnais
Mâconnais is known for its very balanced whites, with their aromas of ripe fruit. The Pouilly-Fuissé and Mâcon-Villages appellations are the best known.
Chardonnay and sparkling wines
"Chardonnay grape varieties" are also widely used in the production of sparkling wines, and even Champagnes. When used alone, they allow for the production of so-called Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. However, when combined with other grape varieties (as is the case in Champagne), they offer very elegant wines.
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Discover our other articles on grape varieties, such as the one for Beaujolais.