• Chardonnay is the both the name of a grape and the white wine that it produces. Debate persists about the structural similarities of Chardonnay to Pinot noir and Pinot Blanc, however the grapes are native, along with these other varieties, to the Burgundy region of France.

• Chardonnay Facts

  1. Named after the village of Chardonnay in the Maconnais region of France
  2. There are some 100% Chardonnay Champagnes labeled Blanc De Blancs
  3. Primarily made from white wine grapes of the Burgundy
  4. Chardonnay, along with Pinot Noir is one of the two main grapes often used to produce Champagne and Sparkling WineSparkling Wines
  5. Typically crushed and fermented before reaching full ripeness
  6. While fine Chardonnay from Burgundy, France is often ageworthy, Chardonnay from the New World is generally better drunk young (although there are notable exceptions.
  7. In California there is an increasing trend away from the over-the-top, buttery style of Chardonnay.
  8. In the New World more unoaked Chardonnays that show the true character of this varietal are being produced.

• Chablis

  The Chablis region in France lies in the northwest portion of Burgundy and is famous for producing almost solely Chardonnay. Unfortunately, the term Chablis was used in other parts otf the world, most notably California, on the labels of other, inferior white wines damaging Chablis reputation. It is no longer legal to use this term on a wine label outside of Chablis, France. Likewise, it is no longer legal, with the exception of one winery in California, to use the term Champagne on sparkling wine made outside of Champagne, France.

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