Chardonnay

A chardonnay is a white grape that is native to the Burgundy region of France, cradled in the village of Macon.  It has become an international grape and is now grown in many countries where wine is produced.

History

This grape has been known for a long time in Burgundy, and is described in different forms resembling the pinot noir or the Melon de Bourgogne.  It was Pierre Galet who, in 1958, by his ampelographic method, helped differentiate definitively from pinot blanc, the latter being a variety of its own.
A legend says the grape was brought by the Crusaders. It was not. A team of researchers at the University of California at Davis demonstrated that it is from a cross between pinot noir and Gouais blanc. It belongs to the Noiriens family.

Range

In France, it is a major variety for controlled, term of origin wines of Champagne, Burgundy, the vineyards of the Val-de-Loire, and Jura vineyards, but it is also found in the vineyards of Languedoc Limoux and in the vineyards of the south-west wine country. It has been a very important craze over the last forty years. Its plantings rose from 7,300 ha in 1958 to 24,000 in 1994 and nearly 30,000 in the mid-2000s.

Almost all countries have tried this wine. It is cultivated in Europe, in Germany, where it was introduced in 1990, in Switzerland, where it covered 150 ha in 1994, and in northern Italy. In America it is grown on over 25,000 ha in the United States (mainly California), Argentina, Canada and Chile. In Australia, it occupies more than 5,000 ha, and 2,300 ha in South Africa.

Genetic variability
Clones
A sign of age, genetic variability is important. Surveys have led to the creation of a repository of chardonnay blanc in Saone et Loire, rich with 340 clones in 1994. Another collection of chardonnay blanc and pinot noir is provided. Eventually it should consolidate around 2000 clones.

In the early surveys, tests of winemaking have identified strains best suited for cultivation. They have led to the approval of 28 clones of which there are suitable features.

Metis
In 1982, INRA Montpellier approved lose blanc, Metis and chardonnay blanc Raffiat de Moncada blanc.

Ampelographic Characteristics
Green, hairy buds.
Young green leaves, bronzed beaches.
Rameau reddish grass between nodes.
Adult leaves orbicular, entire or with five lobes, petiolar sinuses open bottomed often limited by the rib near the petiole (a major characteristic to distinguish it from pinot blanc), short teeth and a straight blade bubble.
Clusters and berries small, round berries.

Viticulture
It is usually taken long in size, but in favorable climatic zones it can also be conducted in short stature. The vine prefers less fertile soils or calcareous marl.
Disease susceptibility
Chardonnay is susceptible to powdery mildew and golden flavescence. With compact clusters there is a fear of the botrytis due to late maturity.
Climate sensitivity
Maturity is relatively early, the first time being a week and a half after the Chasselas. The vine does not like a late frost, and excessive vegetation from too fertile ground leads to the botrytis. Finally, in warm climates, it can present problems if drought is too intense.

Oenological

It has a high quality potential, and can be used to make dry wines, sparkling or even dessert wines. The sugar content can reach a high level by keeping a good balance between sugar and acidity; this feature helps provide balanced wines, with wide, strong, powerful and complex aromas.

The flavors generally cited are fresh fruit (banana, blackcurrant, pear, mango), nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), citrus (lemon, orange blossom), and spicy (pepper, vanilla, cinnamon), and with floral aromas (acacia, pink, lilac, lily, or honey) or fresh butter or leather.