Origin
Today, Burgundy is considered the region of origin of Chardonnay. In the past, it was assumed that the grape variety was brought to France by the Crusaders and spread to Burgundy by the Benedictines. However, DNA research results prove that the place of origin of Chardonnay is Burgundy, where it originated through a natural crossing between the Heunisch and Pinot grape varieties. The grape variety got its name from a small commune called 'Chardonnay', whose name in turn is derived from the French word 'chardon', which means 'thistle' in German. The grape variety was named after the village during the 1872 wine exhibition in Lyon.
More than 200,000 hectares of vineyards are now planted with Chardonnay worldwide. A good Chardonnay always has an alcohol content of 13% or higher.
Production
The Chardonnay grape variety is very adaptable to different site conditions. Therefore, it produces appealing wine qualities in the most diverse places in the world. The most famous Chardonnay wines grow in the French wine-growing regions of Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Corton-Charlemagne and Chablis. However, the variety is also grown in many other European countries, the United Kingdom, in large parts of South America as well as Japan and South Africa.
The cultivation of the Chardonnay grape is comparatively uncomplicated, as its adaptability means that it does not have any major requirements in terms of soil, climate and location. Chardonnay is matured in small oak barrels (barrique).
Effect on the taste
Maturing in barriques that previously held Chardonnay gives whisky light and fresh aromas, some of which can be dry and reminiscent of tropical fruits.
Effect on the colour
Chardonnay is greenish yellow to amber in colour. White wines that mature in barriques take on a yellowish hue after four months of maturation at the latest. Therefore, whiskies that mature in former Chardonnay barrels also have a light shade between yellow and amber.
