The most common of all the noble grape varieties is Chardonnay. It can now be found and grown all over the world. However, Burgundy is the grape's real home. The wine it is used to produce in Burgundy has a distinctive flavour. This fresh and yet steely taste is down to the limestone soil that the grape grows in. Chardonnay is also used in some highly sought after wines produced in the Cte d'Or. Examples include wine from the appellation of Chassagne-Montrachet. Mersault is another highly prized wine made from Chardonnay. This is produced in the Cte de Beaune. There are also plenty of examples of Chardonnay found in the south of France. These wines are not as famous as those from northern France. However, they have a soft and creamy taste that many people love. This taste comes from the old oak that is used in their production.
Champagne can also be made using the Chardonnay grape. There are only two other types of grape that are allowed to grow in the region. They are Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The three grapes can be blended together or used separately. Champagne that is made from just Chardonnay is known as Blanc de Blancs. The grape is allowed to grow on the chalky hills of the region. This area has been dubbed the Cte des Blancs as a result.
As we move further south the flavour of Chardonnay changes. It is generally considered to become more mellow the further south it is grown. In fact, many people regard the oaky and buttery taste as being the definitive flavour of Chardonnay. It can also be blended with grapes like Viognier or Marsanne. These effectively reduce the rich flavour. However, they also add more fruit to the taste.
Now let's examine where Chardonnay is grown outside of France. Surprisingly, it can be found in the hilly areas of Sussex, England. Here it is used in the production of sparkling wine. It is also grown in the Somontano, Spain. Italians also grow Chardonnay in the northern area of the country. However, they prefer to blend it with their local grapes like Verdicchio and Glera.
The most prolific areas where Chardonnay is grown are actually the New World countries. The include Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Argentine.
California probably has the biggest claim to Chardonnay. Here it is plentiful and grown in areas such as Napa and Sonoma. Landmark Chardonnay is a particularly good wine from Sonoma. It can also be found in Santa Barbara. These southern examples produce quality wines such as Wild Boy from Au Bon Climat.
Champagne can also be made using the Chardonnay grape. There are only two other types of grape that are allowed to grow in the region. They are Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The three grapes can be blended together or used separately. Champagne that is made from just Chardonnay is known as Blanc de Blancs. The grape is allowed to grow on the chalky hills of the region. This area has been dubbed the Cte des Blancs as a result.
As we move further south the flavour of Chardonnay changes. It is generally considered to become more mellow the further south it is grown. In fact, many people regard the oaky and buttery taste as being the definitive flavour of Chardonnay. It can also be blended with grapes like Viognier or Marsanne. These effectively reduce the rich flavour. However, they also add more fruit to the taste.
Now let's examine where Chardonnay is grown outside of France. Surprisingly, it can be found in the hilly areas of Sussex, England. Here it is used in the production of sparkling wine. It is also grown in the Somontano, Spain. Italians also grow Chardonnay in the northern area of the country. However, they prefer to blend it with their local grapes like Verdicchio and Glera.
The most prolific areas where Chardonnay is grown are actually the New World countries. The include Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Argentine.
California probably has the biggest claim to Chardonnay. Here it is plentiful and grown in areas such as Napa and Sonoma. Landmark Chardonnay is a particularly good wine from Sonoma. It can also be found in Santa Barbara. These southern examples produce quality wines such as Wild Boy from Au Bon Climat.
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