Chardonnay | Grape variety
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Chardonnay | Grape variety
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world, and for good reason. It is made from green-skinned grapes that are adapted to a wide range of climates and produce versatile wines at many price points. Chardonnay can be crisp and clear, but also rich and oaky. There is something for everyone, and that is why Chardonnay is so popular.
Chardonnay is known as a grape variety for winemakers because it thrives in many climates and is easy to work with in the cellar. It gives the winemaker creative freedom to make it light and elegant or full-bodied and buttery. Chardonnay can taste different depending on where it is grown and how it is made. Generally, however, Chardonnay is a dry, medium to full-bodied wine with moderate acidity and alcohol. Its aromas range from apple and lemon to papaya and pineapple, and when aged in oak, it also shows vanilla notes. During aging in oak barrels, Chardonnay usually undergoes a process called malolactic fermentation. This fermentation changes the texture of the wine from light and tangy (imagine the texture of apple juice) to creamy (the texture of milk). This is because during malolactic fermentation, malic acid, which is found in fruit, turns into lactic acid, which is found in milk. This process contributes to the famous 'buttery' Chardonnay. - Gerardo [TS01/23]
Chardonnay | Grape variety | Buy at Gerardo
Italy is known for its diverse wine production and Chardonnay is one of the most important white grape varieties grown in the country. Although Chardonnay originated in France, it has also established itself in many other wine-growing regions around the world, including Italy.
In Italy, Chardonnay is grown mainly in the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Piedmont. Winegrowers take advantage of the different climates and soil types in these regions to produce wines with distinct characteristics. Wines from Trentino-Alto Adige often have a fresh and fruity note with aromas of apples and citrus, while wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia tend to be more complex and layered with notes of tropical fruits and herbs. Chardonnays from Piedmont often have a more powerful structure and full body with flavors of butter and oak.
Italian Chardonnays can be processed in a variety of ways, from unfiltered and uncolored to stylishly aged wines that are aged in barriques. The aging method has a great impact on the wine's character and can give it a rounder texture and more complex flavors.
Overall, Italian Chardonnay is a wine with a lot of potential, offering a welcome change from classic Italian white wines. Whether you are looking for a fresh and fruity wine for summer or a more complex and full-bodied wine for special occasions, Italian Chardonnay offers a wide range of options. With its rich flavor and ability to pair with a variety of dishes, Italian Chardonnay is a wine you should definitely try. - Gerardo [TS01/23]