Chardonnay

From ArticleWorld

Chardonnay is a green skinned grape that is used to make white wine. Believed to be named after the village of Chardonnay in France, DNA research suggests that the Chardonnay was originally a cross between the Pinot, and the Croatian Gouais Balnc grapes.

Versatility

Part of the attraction of Chardonnay, for wine makers and wine drinkers alike, is its versatility. Different processing methods produce different flavors and aromas. When there is no oak used, Chardonnay generally produces a soft wine, often with fruity, minerally flavors. When aged with oak, Chardonnay takes on a smokey, vanilla, caramel, or butter aroma. Chardonnay is also an important ingredient in Champagne. There are also some one hundred percent Chardonnay Champagnes, labeled blanc de blancs. It is also used by many sparkling wine producers resulting in a Champagne-like wine. Due to its popularity, in 2001, Chardonnay ranked eighth in global planting of grape varieties by area. The majority of these are grown in the United States, France, Australia and Italy. In Australia and New Zealand, Chardonnay varietal wines are among the most popular white wines served and, as of 2005, Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape in Australia.

The great chardonnay showdown

The Great Chardonnay Showdown was held in the spring of 1980. Organized by the wine columnist for the Chicago Tribune, with help from three Chicago wine stores, a total of 221 Chardonnays, from around the world, were selected for the blind competition. France and California were heavily represented, but entries from many other countries around the world were included. The winning wine was the Grgich Hills Wine Cellar Sonoma County Chardonnay 1977, declared the best Chardonnay in the world.