Chardonnay wines at Mathier: a comprehensive guide for wine lovers
Introduction: the success of Chardonnay
Chardonnay is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and versatile white wine varieties in the world, covering a cultivated area of around 202,000 hectares. Originally from Burgundy in France (where about 45,243 hectares are planted with this grape variety), Chardonnay has developed over the centuries into an exceptionally versatile grape. Today, it is grown in almost all major wine regions around the world and is very popular with wine lovers.
What is Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is one of the most popular white grape varieties in the world and is cultivated in almost all major wine regions. The grape is known for its creamy texture and diverse flavours, which can range from apple and citrus fruits to vanilla and butter. These wines are extremely versatile and go well with fish, chicken and cheese.
The Chardonnay grape originated from a natural cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir and has its origins in the French Burgundy region. As a late-ripening variety, it requires optimal sunlight to reach its full potential. Depending on the growing region and vinification method, Chardonnay wines can be either elegant and fresh or lush and aromatic.
Some of the most renowned Chardonnay wines come from France, Australia, Argentina and the United States. Switzerland also produces excellent Chardonnays, particularly in the Lake Geneva and Vaud regions. These wines are characterised by their fresh acidity and mineral notes, which are enhanced by the Alpine climate.
Chardonnay is different from other white grape varieties such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. While Chardonnay is usually creamier and more aromatic, Pinot Grigio is lighter and fresher. Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is often characterised by green, lively notes.
If you are looking for a high-quality Chardonnay, you should consider wines from renowned regions such as Burgundy or Champagne. There are also some excellent Chardonnay wines in Switzerland, particularly from the regions of Vaud and Geneva. It is worth reading the wine description to make sure that the wine matches your preferences.
Chardonnay wines develop their aromas best at a serving temperature of 10-12°C. How long they can be stored depends on the quality and how they are aged. As a rule, they can be stored for 2-5 years, while top wines – especially from Burgundy – can be aged for significantly longer.
Overall, Chardonnay is a fascinating and versatile grape variety that is appreciated worldwide. Its creamy texture and wide range of flavours make it the ideal companion for a variety of culinary delights. When buying, look for wines from renowned regions and carefully check the wine description to find the right wine for your own taste.
The origin and history of the Chardonnay grape variety
Origin and DNA analysis
Chardonnay has its roots in Burgundy, one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. DNA analysis shows that the grape variety originated from a natural cross between Pinot and Gouais Blanc. Both varieties had been cultivated in the region for centuries and contributed to the development of Chardonnay. The name Chardonnay probably comes from the municipality of Cardonnacum in the Saône-et-Loire, where this grape variety was first cultivated. The official name ‘Chardonnay’ was established in 1872 at a wine-growing exhibition in Lyon.
The worldwide success of Chardonnay
Over the years, Chardonnay has spread from its original home in France to almost all major wine-growing regions in the world. The grape variety is particularly adaptable and thrives in a wide range of soils, climates and terroirs. This means that Chardonnay wines can be vinified in a wide range of styles, from fresh, sparkling varieties to full-bodied, creamy wines.
Character and flavours of Chardonnay wines
Elegance and diversity
Chardonnay wines are characterised by their remarkable versatility. Depending on the region, soil conditions and cultivation method, they can have very different characteristics. Chardonnay is known for its ability to reflect the characteristics of the terroir. In cooler regions such as Chablis in France, Chardonnays often have pronounced acidity and mineral notes, while in warmer climates they tend to be riper and fruitier.
Typical aromas and flavours
The aromatic palette of Chardonnay wines is broad. Their scent and taste are influenced by both the terroir and the vinification process. In cooler regions, green apples, citrus fruits and pears dominate, while warmer climates produce aromas of tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. In particular, wines aged in oak barrels often have notes of vanilla, butter and nuts. They can also develop a creamy texture and a full body, especially if they undergo malolactic fermentation.
Different styles and qualities
Chardonnay is a grape variety that can adapt extremely well to different site conditions. It is vinified in a range of styles, from dry to off-dry and even sweet.
This versatility allows winemakers to produce Chardonnay in numerous variations. It can be aged in both stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, which affects the flavour and aroma. Famous examples of premium Chardonnay wines are Blanc de Blancs (a Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay) and Corton Charlemagne from Burgundy. High-quality Chardonnays are also produced in Spain, the United States and Australia, often with maturation in barrique barrels.
Important growing regions worldwide
France: the home of Chardonnay
France, and Burgundy in particular, is the origin of Chardonnay. Some of the world's best wines are produced here, revealing the full potential of the grape variety. Chablis is particularly well known, where the wines grow on calcareous soils and develop an exceptional minerality. The Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits are also famous for their high-quality Chardonnay wines.
USA: California and beyond
In the USA, especially in California (with a cultivation area of around 40,846 hectares), Chardonnay has become firmly established. The warm temperatures and the diversity of the terroirs allow for wines with a wide range of aromas. Napa Valley and Sonoma County in particular are known for their Chardonnays, which are often aged in barriques and have notes of butter, vanilla and tropical fruits.
Switzerland: Chardonnay at high altitudes
Chardonnay has also become established in Switzerland, particularly in the regions of Vaud and Valais. The wines are characterised by their fresh acidity and mineral notes, which are enhanced by the Alpine climate. Swiss Chardonnay wines are often of high quality and offer excellent value for money.
Frequently asked questions about Chardonnay wine
What makes Chardonnay special?
Chardonnay is considered one of the world's most famous white wine varieties. Originally from Burgundy, this grape variety has now established itself in numerous wine regions in the New World. Its particular strength lies not only in its high adaptability, but also in its versatility, which makes it one of the most versatile grape varieties in winemaking.
Is Chardonnay dry or sweet?
Chardonnay is usually dry and not sweet, as there are no sweet varieties of this grape variety worldwide. However, as wine connoisseur Klaus Wählen from Düsseldorf explains, it can have a slight ‘perceived sweetness’ due to the ageing in wooden barrels and its comparatively high alcohol content.
How does Chardonnay differ from Riesling?
Chardonnay and Riesling offer different taste experiences. While Riesling is known for its pronounced fruit aromas such as peach and apple, as well as its distinctive acidity, Chardonnay more strongly reflects the character of its growing region. In addition, Riesling usually has an alcohol content of around twelve percent by volume.
What does Chardonnay taste like?
Italian Chardonnay wines are typically characterised by their freshness and lightness, often accompanied by delicate notes of apple and citrus. They have a delicate, slightly mineral taste with a smooth, pleasant finish. By contrast, Californian Chardonnays are known for their full-bodied, creamy style with aromas of tropical fruits, vanilla and caramel.
What type of wine is Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is a white grape variety that probably originated in the Middle East before spreading to France, particularly to Burgundy. Since 1991, Chardonnay has also been officially permitted in Germany, where it has become a popular white wine variety.
Is Chardonnay dry or sweet?
Chardonnay is typically dry and not sweet, as there are no sweet varieties. Nevertheless, it can develop a subtle ‘perceived sweetness’ due to its ageing in wooden barrels and its relatively high alcohol content, as wine connoisseur Klaus Wählen from Düsseldorf explains.
What does a high-quality Chardonnay taste like?
Chardonnay is characterised by a wide range of fruity aromas. These range from citrus notes such as lemon and lime to tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. The exact aroma profile varies depending on the growing region.
When is the ideal time to drink Chardonnay?
The ideal drinking temperature for Chardonnay is between 8 and 12°C. While young, fresh white wines – such as a dry Rivaner QbA – develop their full flavour at 9 to 11°C, more mature and full-bodied white wines – such as a dry Chardonnay late harvest – are best enjoyed at 11 to 13°C.
Which grape variety is Chardonnay?
In Styria, Chardonnay has long been known as Morillon. Chardonnay is a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir, i.e. between Weiss Heunisch and Pinot Noir. Pinot Blanc, on the other hand, is a mutation of Pinot Gris.