Chardonnay

Chardonnay or Chardonnay Blanc is a white wine variety belonging to the Pinot varieties and ranges on the 5th place of the most widely-planted grape varieties worldwide. It originated in the Near East and was brought to France by crusaders. Its name was defined at the viticulture exhibition in Lyon in 1872 and derives from the small village of Chardonnay in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France. Today, mutations include Chardonnay Blanc Musque and Chardonnay Rose - Chardonnay Blanc Seedless, however, is cultivated in Australia.

In its cultivation and taste, the grape is similar to the Pinot blanc: It requires a mild, sunny climate and a rich, warm and chalky soil for a good harvest. It's an early-budding grape and therefore the risk of damage from springtime frost is rather high, but it also ripens quite early. As a result, the white wine is dry with a fresh and fruity aroma and a high alcohol content: It goes well with fish dishes. Chardonnay fermented in oak barrels is also perfect with roast meat and matured cheese.

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Serving temperature: 10 to 12 degrees C

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