Chardonnay

Chardonnay is an international grape variety that is highly adaptable to the various soils and climates of the world, so much so that it has spread everywhere and is now present in every vine-growing country.

History

Some legends tell of its origins in ancient Persia, while others claim that the birth of Chardonnay is linked to the clay hills of Jerusalem, the Holy City in which every door led to the Temple of God and which is said to have been surrounded by vineyards. Crusaders returning from war in the Middle East brought back a wine called Shahar Adonay, which translated as Porte de Dieu (God’s gate).

However, the only official documents that have survived from the Middle Ages are those that attribute the paternity of this vine to France, particularly in Burgundy, thanks to the tireless dedication of some Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Pontigny.

Characteristics

This vine is particularly suited to the various types of terrain and climates and, depending on the area to which it has adapted, gives the wine different scents and characteristics.

In cold areas such as Burgundy, Chablis are full-bodied, very refined and endowed with a particular freshness with delicious hints of green fruit such as apple, citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit and lime), sometimes vanilla and sweet spices when matured in wood.

In areas with higher temperatures, the acidity is less pronounced, the structure is more delicate and the aromas highlight yellow fruits such as peach and tropical fruits like banana and pineapple, while still expressing magnificent elegance.

Of all the countries where this grape variety has developed, we would like to mention Australia, New Zealand, California, South Africa, South America, Chile and, of course, Italy.

Chardonnay in Italy

In Italy, Chardonnay has been widely planted in almost every region, starting from Trentino-Alto Adige, to the Langhe of Piedmont, also in Lombardy in Franciacorta, in Veneto, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and even in Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo and Sicily.

It is a very popular grape variety for still white wines and also very common in the production of Champagne, for which it is considered of fundamental importance, just think of the Blanc de Blancs.

In sparkling wine making, Chardonnay has distinguished itself not only for the generous production that the vine can reach, but also for its high acidity and excellent alcohol content, essential characteristics for the creation of bubbles using the Champenoise or classic method.

Sensory notes

The wine obtained with Chardonnay grapes results in a brilliant straw yellow colour, with reflections ranging from green to golden, depending on the temperatures in the areas where it was grown.

The aromas concern fruity scents of peach, melon, citrus fruits (lemon grapefruit) often enriched with exotic notes such as banana, pineapple and lychee, the floral scents are characterised by acacia, broom, lime, hawthorn and, if matured in wood, also sweet spices such as yeast, peanuts, butter and hazelnuts. On the palate the wine is fresh, delicately sapid, warm, soft and enveloping, with an aromatic complexity that confirms its elegance.

It should be served fairly cold, at a maximum of 6°-8°, and ideally paired with aperitifs, hors d’oeuvres, fish, vegetarian dishes, white meats and short to medium aged cheeses.