In celebration of International Chardonnay Day, we're delighted to introduce you to this exceptional and one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world.
Best known as the white grape of Burgundy and a cornerstone of Champagne, Chardonnay is produced in a vast array of wine styles.
From creamy, buttery, oak-aged wines to lean, crisp sparkling varieties, Chardonnay's versatility and approachability make it a favorite among winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Origins of Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the product of a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot (likely Pinot Noir or a mutation thereof). These parent varieties were prominent in Burgundy during the Middle Ages. The grape's name is believed to derive from the village of Chardonnay in the Maconnais region of Burgundy. Interestingly, wines from this village are often quite affordable, offering good value for money.
Synonyms
Chardonnay is known by several other names, including Morillon, Pinot Chardonnay, and Feiner Weisser Burgunder.
Flavor Profile
Chardonnay is a relatively neutral grape, not considered aromatic. This neutrality allows winemakers to impart a variety of characteristics through viticulture and winemaking techniques. Chardonnay wines can exhibit fruit notes ranging from citrusy and mineral to exotic and toasty.
At its core, Chardonnay produces wines with a light golden hue and notes of citrus, green apple, blossom, and almonds or oatmeal. It typically has moderate acidity, moderate alcohol, and a medium body.
Influence of Climate on Chardonnay Flavors
The flavor profile of Chardonnay is significantly influenced by climate:
- Cool Climates: Vineyards in regions like Chablis, Champagne, and Germany produce Chardonnays with green apple aromas and mineral notes such as chalk, wet stones, and crushed seashells. Chablis, known for its Kimmeridgian soils rich in ancient oyster shells, often showcases Chardonnay at its most mineral with high acidity and minimal oak influence.
- Warm Climates: Regions like Australia, California, Chile, South Africa, and Argentina yield Chardonnays with more body, fruit, and palate weight. These wines often have exotic fruit notes and toasty oak aromas, displaying more tropical characteristics.
The wines of Burgundy exemplify a balance between the minerality of Chablis and the power of New World Chardonnays, often incorporating oak and offering subtle stonefruit aromas with a fresh, balanced palate.
Winemaking Techniques
Several winemaking techniques significantly influence Chardonnay's final flavor profile:
- Whole Bunch Pressing: This method, which involves pressing the grapes with the stems intact, yields higher quality juice but is more expensive.
- Lees Contact: Aging Chardonnay on lees (dead yeast cells) can add body and biscuity, doughy flavors. Stirring the lees (bâtonnage) enhances these effects.
- Malolactic Fermentation: This secondary fermentation converts malic acid to softer lactic acid, imparting buttery aromas and reducing overall acidity. Some winemakers choose to avoid this process to preserve the wine's natural acidity.
- Oak Aging: Oak barrels impart flavors like vanilla, smoke, and sweet spices. The interaction between oak and wine can also accentuate reductive notes (struck match, rubber) or promote slow oxidation.
Other Chardonnay Styles
While renowned for its still, dry wines, Chardonnay is also crucial in sparkling wine production, particularly in Champagne. Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made entirely from Chardonnay. Additionally, Chardonnay is used in sweet, botrytized, and late-harvest wines, though its natural acidity can diminish with extended hang-time.
Major Chardonnay Growing Regions
According to the "Where Winegrape Varieties are Grown Where?" by Kym Anderson & Signe Nelgen published by University of Adelaide Press, there were 201,649 hectares of Chardonnay worldwide. Top 5 regions include:
- France: 47,451 ha
- United States: 41,392 ha
- Australia: 21,321 ha
- Argentina: 6,227 ha
- Italy: 19,769 h
In Central and Eastern Europe, Chardonnay has established a significant presence across several countries.
- Moldova: 4,133 ha
- Russia: 3,481 ha
- Bulgaria: 3,087 ha
- Hungary: 2,464 ha
- Romania: 1,878 ha
- Austria: 1,577 ha
- Ukraine: 1,500 ha
- Serbia: 1,455 ha
Wine Tasting
We will now travel to the Thracian hills in Bulgaria, where Edoardo Miroglio, an accomplished Italian producer, discovered that the Elenovo micro-region had the perfect soil and climate for high-quality wine production. Our selection of Edoardo Miroglio wines for this tasting event is a deliberate choice: each wine, aged meticulously, showcases the unique characteristics of the region’s terroir and the innovative techniques employed by the winery’s team of Italian and Bulgarian specialists.
- Brut Blanc de Blancs: 100% Chardonnay, aged for a minimum of 36 months, this Chardonnay embodies the art of patience and dedication. The nose unveils a symphony of aromas, with vibrant notes of grapefruit, lemon, and white fruits dancing alongside subtle hints of salvia. On the palate, complexity reigns supreme. This Chardonnay offers a masterful balance of flavors,the wine's texture is both velvety and refreshing, with a dryness that is as satisfying as it is sophisticated.
- Sparkling Brut Zero: A delightful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, produced using the Traditional Method and aged for a minimum of 36 months on lees. Upon lifting the glass to your nose, fruity notes dance gracefully, with hints of lemon and white fruits tantalizing your senses, while subtle undertones of brioche add depth and complexity to the aroma. The wine's balance is impeccable, with a perfect interplay of freshness and elegance. Notice the subtle mineral character that adds a unique dimension to the wine, elevating its complexity and allure.
- Elenovo Reserve Chardonnay (2022): It has been aged for 10 months in French oak barriques, with 30% new oak to enhance its depth and complexity. Dominant citrus notes dance gracefully, intertwining with tropical fruit nuances, particularly the luscious essence of mango. A harmonious balance of flavors unfolds, with a freshness that invigorates the senses and a well-balanced body that leaves a lasting impression.
Chardonnay Food Pairings
Chardonnay's diverse styles make it suitable for a wide range of food pairings. Cool climate Chardonnays with high acidity and citrus notes pair well with lighter seafood dishes, while richer, oak-influenced Chardonnays complement bolder fare like lobster or monkfish. Their buttery character enhances creamy sauces, while the acidity cuts through rich dishes.
In conclusion, Chardonnay's versatility and adaptability have cemented its place as one of the world's most beloved grape varieties. Whether enjoyed as a mineral-driven Chablis, a richly oaked California Chardonnay, or a sparkling Blanc de Blancs, this grape continues to captivate wine lovers around the globe.