Grape Colour  White

Country  Think France - Burgundy, Champagne are both classic areas for Chardonnay. Most countries that produce wine grow the Chardonnay grape, USA ( Califonia, Washington State), Chile, Argentina, Australia ( Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, Margaret River ), New Zealand, South Africa.

Style   It varies in style from green, citrus fresh, high acidity to tropical fruit, spicy and flabby and all flavours and styles in between.

Flavours to expect   Cool regions can produce green and citrus fruit flavours, dry with high acidity, in warmer climes expect tropical fruits (pineapple, banana) flavours with medium acidity but still dry. Oak creates vanilla, toast, coconut, coffee flvours, Malolactic flavours include cream, butter, butterscotch and hazelnut. Lees contact/stirring can produce savoury, yoghurt flavours and autolysis ( extended yeast contact) - toast and biscuit.

Characteristics   Good acidity, medium body and flavours more affected by their vinification that their viticulture!

Problems  
Oak has in the past been used clumsily with Chardonnay in some New World areas but seems to be on the road to repair. As it does grow anywhere and can produce good yields - it is grown in alot of places that may be suited to other ( less profitable ) grape varieties.


Points of Note
It has great quality potential and can age admirably.
Adapts to most climates and soils producing a wide range of styles.
Likes Limestone and chalk based soils, producing tight mineral driven wines, the presence of clay increases the weight and depth of the wine and sandstone creates broader richer wines.
Hardy and can give high yields.
Blends well with many grapes eg Pinots Noir and Meunier for sparkling wines across the world.