Explaining the Chardonnay Variety of White Wine

The chardonnay grape grows pretty much in every wine producing country of the world for two reasons: It is very adaptable to a wide range of climates and having Chardonnay on the label of wine is shoe in to be a great seller.

Most Chardonnays receive some oak treatment either during or after fermentation. The best Chardonnays are treated in French oak while the lower priced ones can possibly be soaked with oak chips or have an oak flavor added. Okay chardonnay is such the norm that that some wine drinkers confuse the flavor of oak with the flavor of Chardonnay. If your glass of chardonnay smells or tastes toasty, smoky, spicy, vanilla-like or butterscotch-like, that's the oak you are perceiving not the Chardonnay.

Growing Grapes From the Chardonnay Vine

The Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy wine region of France. It is a green-skinned grape that is used for making white wine. The grape variety is grown worldwide. It is easy to grow grapes from the Chardonnay vine. This fruit is an important component of sparkling wines, including Champagne. There is over 400,000 acres of this grape planted worldwide, and is planted in more regions than any other grape.

The University of California through DNA suggests that the Chardonnay is a cross between the Pinot and Gouais Blach. It is believed that the Gouais Blanc from Balkans was brought to Eastern France by the Romans. The grape grew in close proximity, giving them ample opportunity to interbreed. Many of these crosses showed hybrid vigour.