Chardonnay

Chardonnay

The white wine variety Chardonnay is one of the most widespread wine grapes in the world, as Chardonnay ripens under the most diverse climatic conditions. Wines made from it range from simple table wines to complex and storable premium products. The aroma palette of the Chardonnay grape variety is enormously broad and changes according to region and ageing. It can be used to produce elegant, fine and mineral wines as well as opulent wines matured in oak barrels, which captivate with their aromas of vanilla, honey and tropical fruits. Last but not least, Chardonnay is one of the most important components in quality sparkling wines of all kinds. As a grape, Chardonnay offers every winemaker and cellar master almost limitless possibilities in the shaping of wine, making it one of the most important grape varieties in the world.

The Chardonnay grape variety became world famous because of its top wines from Burgundy. Above all, Chablis with its Grand Cru sites. With its soil structure, the region in northern Burgundy is predestined for growing Chardonnay and the white wine from this region is among the best in the world. One hectare can quickly cost an incredible amount of money, which also makes the wine correspondingly expensive. But Chardonnay does not only play a major role as a grape in Chablis from Burgundy. The grape variety is also used in Champagne to produce high-quality champagne. Be it from a cuvée with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier or as pure Blanc de Blanc Champagne. But it is not only in Champagne that the Chardonnay grape variety is used to produce high-quality sparkling wines. In Franciacorta, however, the cuvée is supplemented with Pinot Blanc. 

That the Chardonnay grape variety is a grape with many characteristics is also evident in its vinification. It can produce high-quality wines from steel tanks as well as from barrique. The barrique-aged Chardonnay from the Napa Valley in California, for example, is famous and sought-after for its opulent buttery barrique notes and the bouquet of tropical fruits.

There are wines made from Chardonnay in every price range and thanks to the versatility of this grape variety, everyone can find something. Everyone can define for themselves what a good Chardonnay is. Some like it hearty with a high alcohol content, others prefer it fresh, mineral and light. Next to the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, the Chardonnay grape variety is certainly one of the most important and significant varieties worldwide. The Chardonnay grape variety can be found on countless hectares in Europe as well as in the New World and is thus one of the most cultivated grape varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.