Chardonnay, the white wine grape variety of Burgundy where it is nearly always bottled as a single varietal. It is also found in Champagne, both blended and and as a stand-alone Blanc de Blancs. Aromatically mute when young–Dr Ian D’Agata (2019) describes Chardonnay as not at all aromatic–Chardonnay develops buttery and light musk aromas with age, also nuttiness (eg. in Meursault), allied to textural richness and breadth on the palate.

Clones: Chardonnay, Mendoza clone.

Pros: Wide appeal. It is versatile as a dry or sweet wine, either still or sparkling, naked or unbaked. Easy to grow.

Cons: Prone to spring frosts, and Botrytis cinerea.

Where grown: Austria. | Champagne AOC. | Chablis AOC. | Pomino DOC.

Synonyms: Feinburgunder. | Morillon.

See: aromatic grape varieties.

Bibliography

Dr Ian d’Agata, Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs (University of California Press, 2019).