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.
Chardonnay is also used in the production of champagne. It is one of three types of grapes used in this way. The other two are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These are the only grapes that are allowed to be blended and bottled in the Champagne region. Champagne is sometimes made from a blend of grapes. But when it is made from just the Chardonnay grape it is called Blanc de Blancs. The grape is grown on the chalk hills of Champagne. This has since become known as the Cte des Blancs.
Chardonnay will produce a dramatically different taste when grown in the south. For instance, we usually think of it as fresh. But it becomes much more oaky and rich when found in the south. This can be adapted by blending it with other kinds of grape. For example, Chardonnay blended with Marsanne will have a more fruity flavour.
France is home to Chardonnay. But it can be found virtually anywhere that wine is produced. In England it grows in Sussex and is used to blend sparkling wine. In Italy it is blended with other white grapes that are grown locally. These tend to be found in the northern area of the country. Here Chardonnay is blended with the likes of Glera and Verdicchio. And let's not forget Spain. The Somontano is the region where it is most prevalent.
Chardonnay has really found its niche in the New World countries. It is grown in huge quantities across Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile.
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.
Chardonnay is also used in the production of champagne. It is one of three types of grapes used in this way. The other two are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These are the only grapes that are allowed to be blended and bottled in the Champagne region. Champagne is sometimes made from a blend of grapes. But when it is made from just the Chardonnay grape it is called Blanc de Blancs. The grape is grown on the chalk hills of Champagne. This has since become known as the Cte des Blancs.
Chardonnay will produce a dramatically different taste when grown in the south. For instance, we usually think of it as fresh. But it becomes much more oaky and rich when found in the south. This can be adapted by blending it with other kinds of grape. For example, Chardonnay blended with Marsanne will have a more fruity flavour.
France is home to Chardonnay. But it can be found virtually anywhere that wine is produced. In England it grows in Sussex and is used to blend sparkling wine. In Italy it is blended with other white grapes that are grown locally. These tend to be found in the northern area of the country. Here Chardonnay is blended with the likes of Glera and Verdicchio. And let's not forget Spain. The Somontano is the region where it is most prevalent.
Chardonnay has really found its niche in the New World countries. It is grown in huge quantities across Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile.
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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