It is pretty self evident that chardonnay is the most famous white wine going. Chardonnay is one of the key noble grape varieties. There are over 1000 different varieties of these grapes that are currently used in wine-making. Chardonnay originates from the Burgundy region of France. Here it is used to produce afresh and very dry white wine. This is particularly true of the wine from the Chablis area. The limestone soil in Chablis is thought to contribute to the freshness in flavour.
But there are many other areas in France where Chardonnay produces world-renowned wine. These include the Chassagne-Montrachet and Mersault. Both are found in the Cte de Beaune. In addition, there are the brilliant AC of Rully, Mercurey and Montagny wines that are produced further south, in the Cte Chalonnaise. These wines are not as well known as their more northern counterparts. Their flavour also differs slightly as it is creamier with a gentle nuttiness. This is because old oak is used in the production of these wines.
It is possible to find chardonnay outside of the Burgundy region. There are three grapes that are allowed to be used in the production of champagne. Chardonnay is one of them. The others are pinot noir and pinot meunier. Of course, all of these white grapes must be grown and bottled in the region itself to be classed as true champagne. Champagne that is produced solely from the chardonnay grape is known as Blanc de Blancs. You can find this grape growing on the chalk hills of the area. As such, the area is known as the Cte des Blancs.
If you travel further south you will find that the chardonnay tastes considerably different. For instance, it loses some of the richness it usually has and gains an oak-like quality. Sometimes you can even describe the flavour as being buttery. You can also find chardonnay that has been blended with other grape varieties. These grapes include Marsanne and Viognier. This blend will add a fruity dimension to the taste of the wine.
You can find chardonnay grapes growing outside of France. In actual fact, chardonnay grows wherever wine is being produced. For instance, chardonnay is grown in England to help with the production of their sparkling wine. You will also come across it in the Somontano, Spain. Italy is a slightly different story. While chardonnay is cultivated in the Piedmont region it is not used as much as their local grapes. Italian white wine tends to favour grapes such as Glera and Fiano.
But there are many other areas in France where Chardonnay produces world-renowned wine. These include the Chassagne-Montrachet and Mersault. Both are found in the Cte de Beaune. In addition, there are the brilliant AC of Rully, Mercurey and Montagny wines that are produced further south, in the Cte Chalonnaise. These wines are not as well known as their more northern counterparts. Their flavour also differs slightly as it is creamier with a gentle nuttiness. This is because old oak is used in the production of these wines.
It is possible to find chardonnay outside of the Burgundy region. There are three grapes that are allowed to be used in the production of champagne. Chardonnay is one of them. The others are pinot noir and pinot meunier. Of course, all of these white grapes must be grown and bottled in the region itself to be classed as true champagne. Champagne that is produced solely from the chardonnay grape is known as Blanc de Blancs. You can find this grape growing on the chalk hills of the area. As such, the area is known as the Cte des Blancs.
If you travel further south you will find that the chardonnay tastes considerably different. For instance, it loses some of the richness it usually has and gains an oak-like quality. Sometimes you can even describe the flavour as being buttery. You can also find chardonnay that has been blended with other grape varieties. These grapes include Marsanne and Viognier. This blend will add a fruity dimension to the taste of the wine.
You can find chardonnay grapes growing outside of France. In actual fact, chardonnay grows wherever wine is being produced. For instance, chardonnay is grown in England to help with the production of their sparkling wine. You will also come across it in the Somontano, Spain. Italy is a slightly different story. While chardonnay is cultivated in the Piedmont region it is not used as much as their local grapes. Italian white wine tends to favour grapes such as Glera and Fiano.
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