Chardonnay

The Chardonnay grape is grown in just about every wine region in the world and is the wine of preference in the United States with over 100,000 acres devoted to it in California alone.  Chardonnay is mildly dry with fruit flavors.  In cooler regions, where early budding makes the grape vulnerable to frosts that can occur in late spring, Chardonnay shows ample fruit flavors such as apple, peach, pear and lemon.  In warmer regions, Chardonnay shows more of a creamy, nutty flavor.  Winemaking techniques also influence the final results.  Chardonnay that is not aged in oak barrels tends to be crisp and fruity, while Chardonnay that is aged in oak barrels tend to be more complex and buttery, showing additional flavors such as vanilla and spice which it takes on from the oak itself.

Top Chardonnay is produced in the Burgundy region of France as well as parts of both Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California.  In the Champagne region of France, Chardonnay is the only white grape allowed by French law to be grown.  In cooler regions, early budding makes the grape vulnerable to frosts that can occur in late spring.  It is also the most widely planted grape in Australia.  Chardonnay and Pinot Noir combine to make Champagne and sparkling wines.

The village of Chardonnay in the Burgundy region of France is believed to be the birthplace of the Chardonnay grape.  Science has shown that Chardonnay is over 600 years old and is a cross between a nearly extinct grape called Gouais Blanc and Pinot.