Discover more about Chardonnay grape

Chardonnay is a French grape variety that is one of the leading international varieties. It is also one of the most widely planted grape varieties worldwide.

Its great expressiveness comes from the grape’s easy adaptation to various climates and soils. However, the style and characteristics of the wine vary according to the region where it is planted.

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Characteristics: What are Chardonnay wines like?

Chardonnay wines are full-bodied and creamy. They are not very aromatic, and most of the aromas and flavors come from the winemaking techniques. It is a powerful grape and, in most cases, has the structure to spend several years aging.
There is a saying that “Chardonnay is the most red of the white grapes” because of its strength and body, which it gives to the wine.

It is very common to find varietal Chardonnay wines, made only with one grape variety, but the grape is also widely used in blends, especially in countries where native varieties are less known. The variety is used to make sweet, still, and sparkling wines. It is one of the authorized grapes for the production of Champagne.

Effects of Climate on Chardonnay grape

The effects of climate variation on Chardonnay are noticeable. In cooler regions, like Chablis in Burgundy, the variety produces wines with citrus notes, reminiscent of green apple and cucumber, with mineral touches. In places with a moderate climate, like the rest of Burgundy, the grape tends to produce aromas of white fruits, like peach and melon. In warmer regions, like the New World, the aroma is of tropical fruits, like banana, pineapple, and mango. Discover how to identify the flavors and aromas in sensory analysis.

Effects of Winemaking Techniques on Chardonnay grape

The effects of winemaking techniques on Chardonnay are very relevant to the final outcome of the wine produced with the variety. The use of malolactic fermentation, for example, adds a buttery flavor to the wine, as well as a smooth texture and reduced acidity.

The variety also benefits greatly from aging, whether in barrels, to gain flavors from the wood, such as vanilla and burnt coconut, or in bottles, receiving aromas from the yeast, such as bread and biscuit. Understand how the color of wines can reveal their aging.

Food Pairing: What pairs with Chardonnay?

Presented in different versions, Chardonnay has a wide range of food pairings. Unoaked Chardonnay, younger and fresher, is great as an aperitif. It pairs best with lighter textured foods, like mussels, oysters, and mild fish, and with higher acidity, tomato, capers, and leeks.

Wines aged in oak or on their lees pair well with richer and more aromatic dishes (spices like saffron, rosemary, or curry). Choose dishes with aromas similar to those of the wine, such as smoked dishes. Creamy recipes that include butter, cream, or melted cheese in the preparation, match the wine’s texture, cod, purees, polenta, pasta with white sauce, and risottos.

Chardonnay grape around the world

Many regions around the world offer top-notch examples. For instance, California, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. In Brazil, we find great examples in the Serra Gaúcha, including the Denominação de Origem (DO) Vale dos Vinhedos in Rio Grande do Sul, and in Santa Catarina.

Burgundy Chardonnay

Burgundy Chardonnay, French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), is special. Even though several countries produce the variety, there are some regions that are considered superior quality. Burgundy is one of them. It can be said that it is in the terroirs of Burgundy where the grape reveals its typicality.

Côte d’Or, in the heart of Burgundy, has an ideal climate for producing high-quality Chardonnay. These are wines with great complexity, a lot of body, and a mix of flavors (citrus, tropical, and white fruits). They are usually fermented in small oak barrels and aged in contact with the remaining yeast from fermentation.

Chablis, north of Côte d’Or, is another Burgundian region where the grape shows very high quality. The DOP offers unique examples, bringing citrus and green fruits in its aroma and with a very characteristic minerality. As it is a cool climate region, the wines are dry, with high acidity that can even be slightly harsh.

The chardonnay grape is also one of the three varieties recommended in the AOC Champagne, along with Pinot Noir and Meunier. The variety is the origin of the region’s famous Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines.

Chardonnay in Los Carneros, California

High-quality producers follow the Burgundy model, with many of the wines being full-bodied and possessing intense flavors. Many of them resemble the wines produced in Cotê d’Ore.

Chardonnay in Portugal

It was one of the international varieties introduced in Portugal in recent decades. It is often used in blends with the native variety Arinto.

Chardonnay grape characteristics in South America

The Valle de Casablanca in Chile is considered a superior quality area for the variety. There, the fermentation is done in barrels and the aging is also done in wood, which accentuates the tropical fruit flavor. In Mendoza, Argentina, the variety has notes of wood and intense fruit flavors.