Simple Guide to Varietal Chardonnay

Grape varietal Chardonnay is considered the most popular and one of the more important grape types in the production of white wines. It is also one of the most widely grown grape variety. This light green in colour grape can easily adapt to different types of soil and climates. This is probably the main reason grape varietal Chardonnay is grown on vineyards all around the world. While France is the main producer of grape varietal Chardonnay, America, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and other countries also produces high quality Chardonnay grapes.

Even though grape varietal Chardonnay is produced in different regions, the level of quality remains the same. All over the world winemakers are being able to produce quality varietal Chardonnay wines. However, while quality grape varietal Chardonnay can be produced in a variety of soil and climates, best Chardonnay grapes are produced on soils where high concentration of chalk, clay and limestone is present. Therefore, the Burgundy region of France is the world’s No.1 grape varietal Chardonnay producer.

Varietal Chardonnay is perfect choice for winemakers who wants to produce good quality, yet inexpensive wines. Even though considered a wine for every day, Chardonnay can also be distinctive, complex and concentrated. Of course, if made of high quality grapes. Thus, winemakers are more about quality than quantity when it comes to the grape varietal Chardonnay. This way the unique natural fruit flavours and aromas known for the grape varietal Chardonnay are achieved, for which it is believed the soil and climate are the factors.

Varietal Chardonnay wines with their wide variety of styles, different textures and levels of sweetness and acidity, are perfect for pairing with different foods. Varietal Chardonnay wines that have been not aged or aged in oak barrels for a very short time tend to be more crisp and fresh. The ones that go through an extensive oak aging feature more a creamy and buttery flavour with vanilla and spice. It is hard to find bad varietal Chardonnay wine. There is a difference in flavour depending on the price though.

Chardonnay wines can be made in three distinctive styles:

• Crisp style – it has a small or even no oak influence and doesn’t go through malolactic fermentation. These style wines tend to be more fresh, clean and sharp on the palate;
• Oakly – these Chardonnay wines are aged in oak barrels and the oak flavour contributes toward a more rounder and fuller flavours on the palate;
• Elegant – a smooth and complex fruit flavour combined with a smooth and buttery texture;