Chardonnay

シャルドネ種

Introduction

Chardonnay, a versatile white grape variety, is renowned for its capacity to craft exceptional wines across various climates, ranging from cool to moderate and warm. It gives rise to an array of dry white wines, spanning from affordable, high-production wines to premium ones that evolve gracefully with aging.

Characteristics

Chardonnay wines exhibit a diverse and multifaceted palate. The primary fruit notes and the levels of alcohol, body, and acidity are influenced by the grape's geographical environment.

In a typical cool-climate Chardonnay, one can expect high acidity, a light to medium body, and flavors reminiscent of green fruits like apples and pears, accompanied by citrus nuances such as lemon and subtle mineral undertones.

In a moderate-climate Chardonnay, you'll encounter medium to high acidity, a medium to full body, and a harmonious blend of lemon, stone fruits like peaches, and occasionally hints of tropical fruits like melon.

In a warm-climate Chardonnay, prepare for a full-bodied experience with moderate acidity, dominated by lush stone fruit notes such as peaches and an infusion of tropical fruit elements, including pineapple and banana.

Winemaking and Aging

Today, many producers focus on preserving the intrinsic fruit characteristics of the wine without overshadowing them with oak-derived flavors. Therefore, more and more producers choose to forgo adding secondary notes to their Chardonnay, using inert vessels and avoiding malolactic conversion and lees contact.

Nevertheless, it remains true that Chardonnay wines are more likely to exhibit secondary or tertiary aromas and flavors compared to other popular white varietals. Beyond the primary fruit profiles, Chardonnay wines often showcase secondary nuances resulting from various winemaking techniques.

Malolactic conversion can introduce creamy sensations reminiscent of butter and cream while mellowing sharp acids.

Maturation on lees can impart a richer body along with subtle hints of bread and biscuits.

The use of oak barrels, either for fermentation or maturation, is another prevalent method to add depth and flavors like smoke, vanilla, and coconut. In some cases, winemakers opt for oak chips or staves, which offer these characteristics at a more economical cost.

Chardonnays of exceptional quality can age gracefully in the bottle for years, evolving into complex tertiary flavors, such as hazelnut and mushroom. An example of an exceptional age-worthy wine is Anima Chardonnay from Sahateni winery.