1- Chardonnay

The Chardonnay grape is originally from Burgundy, where there is a town from which this variety of vine is considered to originate. It is called exactly the same as the variety of vine that we are treating “Chardonnay”.

2- Synonyms

Chardonnay is also known as:  Chardoney (Bulgaria), Feinburgunder (Austria), Morillon (Austria), Pine shardone (Bulgaria) and Pinot Chardonnay (Cyprus).


3- Growing areas in the world

We currently find Chardonnay grapes in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the United States, California, Australia, New Zealand, the countries of South America and South Africa.

It is widespread worldwide.  It is estimated that there are around 160,000Ha of Chardonnay grapes planted, of which about 50,000 are in France.

4- Characteristics of chardonnay grapes

Cluster: 

Small in size , medium to high compactness and very short peduncle, characteristically.

Berries:

  • Small in size , usually very uniform.
  • Of epidermis yellowish-green in maturation of circular section.
  • With difficult detachment of the berries .
  • With  thick skin and pulp without pigmentation, soft, very juicy and with a peculiar fruity aroma.

Strain: 

Vigorous, early sprouting, quite resistant and adaptable to diverse soils, with high fertility and good productivity, with  low but quality yields.

5- Characteristics of the strains

  • It adapts to different types of terrain and climates as  long as they are not excessively humid.
  • Sensitive to powdery mildew and golden flavescence, sensitive to mildew and gray rot.
  • It is not usually very affected by wood fungi.
  • It is quite sensitive to moths and leafhoppers.
  • Very sensitive to mite attacks .
  • It is  sensitive to cold springs and its sprouts have very low fertility, but it can withstand the rigors of winter well. Sensitive to spring frosts due to its very early blooming and early maturation.
  • It is not very sensitive to wind breakage .
  • Very resistant to chlorosis.
  • It is convenient to avoid planting it in areas of  intense drought .
  • Of  maturation precocious, then of  Pinot Noir , requires vendimiarla soon.

6- Fertilization of Chardonnay

It is a variety of grape very sensitive to magnesium deficiency and very affected by the physiological drying of the stem.

It has  high phosphorus and nitrogen requirements , given its high vigor. These fertilizers are required to achieve a good quality of the must.


7- Oenological potential of chardonnay wine

The bunches and berries are small, so it has a very high qualitative potential, which allows the production of everything from dry white wines, effervescent chardonnay wines, to liqueur wines.

Harvested early, it has little body and a lot of acidity, which makes it suitable for excellent champagnes.

It produces very interesting monovarietal wines , powerful, fruity and with high acidity.

It is suitable for conservation in oak. Reserve wines can be made. In aging, it flavors very well with oak wood and takes on a lot of body.

8- Cata del Vino Chardonnay

  • If properly matured, its aromas are reminiscent of freshly made pastries, bread, butter and hazelnuts.
  • If the musts are green, their wines are too acidic and with aromas of tropical pineapple.
  • Base of whites that age well , fruity when young and that very soon acquire spicy aromas and specifically vanilla.
  • Soft with a buttery aroma, sweet and pleasant, with little acidity.

Tasting phases:

Vista: 

At sight it has a variable color between very pale straw and almost golden yellow, with greenish reflections.

Smell: 

The characteristic aromas of Chardonnay are: green apple, lemon, grapefruit, pear, acacia, tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, banana, melon, pineapple) some spices or caramel. With aging vanilla, honey and butter.

Boca: 

Long in the mouth, without aggressive acidity. It presents a wide range of flavors: apples, citrus, melon, pears, honey, wax, caramel, dulce de leche, minerals among the most prominent.


9- Pairing of Chardonnay wines

Chardonnay is ideal to accompany white fish, grilled and smoked fish. Seafood, White meat. Vegetarian dishes, Pasta. Birds.

Interesting articles on vine varieties:


Dr. Sofia Seccombe

My name is Dr. Sofia Seccombe, and in this small section, I want to tell you who I am and why I started this project. I don't want to bore you, but I consider that it is an important part of godlywine. It serves as an exercise in transparency so that the person who reads the articles can be sure that the information is reliable.

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