Chardonnay
The Chardonnay grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around the world. The original fame of Chardonnay comes from it's success in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France. White Burgundy must be made from the Chardonnay grape unless the label indicates it was made from a much less well known grape, Aligot.
Chardonnay takes oak well, and many higher priced Chardonnays are typically fermented and/or aged in oak barrels. When Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, it may pick up vanilla overtones in its aromas and flavor.
Chardonnay also ages well in the bottle, though it will not age as
long as many red wines. It likes slightly cooler climates (warm
days/cool nights) and develops less acidity than Sauvignon Blanc. Some
producers put their Chardonnay (or some of it) through malolactic
fermentation which reduces crispness and brings out a rich, buttery
taste. This usually shortens the life of the wine as far as aging is
concerned.
Wines made from the Chardonnay grape are usually
served chilled. Chardonnay matches very well with chicken and with
dishes that are served with a lot of butter or a cream sauce. Most
Chardonnays lack the acid to match as well with seafood as Sauvignon
Blanc or Riesling.
