Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape 

Originated in the Burgundy wine region of France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from UK to New Zealand. For new and developing regions it can be seen as a foot hold into the international market.The Chardonnay grape is neutral, with many flavors of the wine coming from such influences as terrior and oak.

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Austrailia & NZ =  the flavors are more citrus, peach, and melon,
Crisp mineral wines of Chablis and New World wines: oak and tropical fruit flavors.
California = more fig and tropical fruit notes such as banana and mango

 

Very versatile grape -
Chardonnay wine tends to be medium to light body with noticeable acidity  (mouthwatering feel ) and flavors of green plum, apple, and pear.
Chardonnay in its purest form tends to show a tart crisp character but.... wines can go through a process called malolatic fermentation. where softer acidity and fruit flavors with buttery mouthfeel and hazelnut notes are evident. This is done by the bacteria converting malic acid into lactic acid and carbon dioxide by turning digestion into external waste. Adding a softer fuller mouthfeel. YUM YUM !!! Bacteria may also be present in the winemaking equipment (such as used oak barrels), or the winemaker may inoculate the wine with a specific malolactic culture.


There are 3 reason winemakers start malolactic fermentation:

1. Malolactic fermentation decreases acidity.
2.Flavor: MLF can add a buttery, creamy complexity to wine
3. Stability: Allowing wines MLF before bottling increases stability by preventing malolactic fermentation from occurring after bottling.

VIP Certain white wine grapes, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, lend themselves better to MLF

Malolactic fermenting is more likely to occur in colder regions eg. Burgundy and Champagne, where low temperatures can cause grapes to become more acidic. Chardonnay is an important component of many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne and Franciacorta in Italy 

So the Chardonnay grape is very versatile. Try the different styles and see for yourself.

Find your grape ! TRY IT FOR YOURSELF !