Chardonnay grape and its wines
In this article we would love to talk more about another variety that is not orginally from Chianti Classico but that we coltivate in Montemaggio
Chardonnay is actually a French grape, originally from Bourgogne, where its most renowned and famous wines come from, and from here it spread until becoming one of the most cultivated white berried grapes of the world. Currently with Chardonnay are being produced great wines in the most disparate places of the planet: New Zealand, Israel, Australia, California, Chile, Argentina and last but not the least Italy. Chardonnay is so popular that it has practically no synonyms (except Morillon in Styria, Austria). The incredible variety of aromatic components Chardonnay gives to wines emerges in different ways according to the soils and climates where it is cultivated, therefore making the tasting of its wines an always new experience. Chardonnay is capable of producing wines of good quality even when cultivated with relatively high yields, and with low yields are obtained wines of great quality.
The early budding of Chardonnay puts it at risk of spring frosts, whereas the thin skin of berries can favor rot. It is therefore fundamental to choose the right moment for harvesting, also because, in case it is too advanced, grapes risk to give wines with a low level of acidity. Chardonnay is part of the blend of the best classic method sparkling wines of the world, as well as having a great capacity of aging. Italy has a long tradition for the cultivation of Chardonnay, in particular in the subalpine area. Today it is produced in almost every part of the country and excellent Chardonnay can be found in Piedmont, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino, Valle d'Aosta, Tuscany and Sicily. Besides classic method sparkling wines, from Chardonnay grapes can be produced still wines having a high alcohol by volume and a pretty high acidity. The color of Chardonnay wine is straw yellow not particularly intense, its aroma is characteristic, delicate and fruity (tropical fruit, in particular pineapple), and its taste is elegant and harmonic. Chardonnay wines have a good predisposition to vinification and aging in wood (barriques), with which they get hints of dried fruit.
Now just sit back, relapse and enjoy a glass of Chardonnay (Di Montemaggio!)