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A taste of
Chardonnay
Many white varietals have gained popularity
in the last couple of years, but Chardonnay
remains the #1 white varietal in California. And
although it is extremely popular in California,
Chardonnay is actually a native of the Burgundy
region of France. Chardonnay therefore can be found
in many Champagnes and some of the world's most
renowned white wines — the great white Burgundies.
Wine makers are also fond of this popular white
grape, due to its magnificent flavor and character.
This grape also responds positively to a wide range
of winemaking techniques that other white wines
do not.
Typically, Chardonnay is made in three distinctive
styles: one heavily oaked, one aged less in oak,
and one made with little or no oak aging.
Australia is among the world's leaders in production
of this grape. Australian Chardonnays were once
heavily oaked and characterized by a buttery almost
syrupy quality. Today, many of them are produced
in a more restrained style. In fact, many producers
now make unoaked versions of Chardonnay and are
proud to say so on their labels. It is also common
in Australia to blend Chardonnay with other whites,
most often Semillon or Colombard.
Chardonnay is one of the few white wines that can
be aged. While many white wines lose their flavor
and appeal after two or three years in the bottle,
Chardonnay can keep improving for five to eight
years.
| Recommended
Food Pairings: |
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Pork
Fish |
Cheese
Provolone
Gruyere
Goat Cheese
Parmesan |
Fruits
Apple
Pear
Pineapple
Peach |
Grains
Pasta
Country Bread |
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Content provided by E. & J. Gallo Winery,
Modesto, CA. |
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