Chardonnay Wines
Chardonnay originated in France, and over a span of forty years, became the most popular dry white wine in America. During the 1990s, young urban women considered it to be a fashionable beverage.
The Chardonnay vine is easy to grow. It adapts itself to a variety of climates, and gives a high yield wherever it is grown. In 2004, Chardonnay was estimated to be the world’s sixth most grown variety. The vines covered 179,300 hectares in countries all over the world. This means that millions of bottles of Chardonnay wines are made available at a reasonable price, which makes it popular among winemakers and wine drinkers alike.
However, the Chardonnay variety is susceptible to a myriad of maladies. The grapes are small, thin-skinned, fragile, and oxidize easily; therefore, it is more difficult to handle them than any other grape variety.
The most delightful aspect of Chardonnay wines is that they can take on a variety of flavors and aromas, which depend on the region and climatic conditions in which the Chardonnay is grown. Hot climates produce grapes that lend a rich flavor of peach, melon, citrus, and tropical fruits to the wine. New world winemakers have experimented with oak to give the Chardonnay its buttered, oak overtones.
Usually, a Chardonnay will have an oak flavor if it is fermented in oak barrels. Its aroma is so delicate and so distinct that the aroma of any varietals added to it will dominate the aroma of the Chardonnay.
You can pair your Chardonnay with poultry dishes, pork, seafood, or any dish with a cream base. Chardonnay is usually dry, and goes well with lobster and scallop, or a light red meat dish. It is friendly with cheeses, such as Gruyere, Provolone, and Brie.
Chardonnays are meant to be drunk immediately; however, some of them can be allowed to age for 5-10 years. Find some inexpensive Chardonnay wines here.
Filed under: White Wines, Reviews
