CHARDONNAY VINE

The name Chardonnay is so familiar to wine lovers that many do not know that it is a vine variety, in fact, it is so popular that almost no synonyms are used. Its native land is Burgundy in France where for a long time all the white wines produced were Chardonnay-based. The origins of the vine are obscure. It was believed that it was a white grape mutation of Pinot Noir but then in-depth scientific studies refuted it. A village in the Macconais called Chardonnay gave rise to other theories, but others think it has Middle Eastern origins indicating a possible connection with the ancient history of Lebanon’s vineyards. The success of this grape is linked to the ease with which it is possible to obtain high yields, though it is essential to take great care not to exceed the limit of around 30 hectolitres per hectare so as to ensure the final product is of good quality. Another success factor is its ease of cultivation which makes it the most widespread vine in the world today when one realizes that there is practically no wine area that does not include it. The increased demand for sparkling wines that has exploded since the 1980s has made this vine the standard-bearer in this category since it is the essential ingredient from Champagne downwards due to its ability to mature in the bottle. In Italy, it has a long history of cultivation especially in the sub-alpine belt, where, until the 1990 Italian agricultural census, it was mistaken for and mixed with Pinot Bianco. The Italian authorities have delayed and slowed down the granting of DOC with this name for obvious nationalist reasons: a Gallic grape that threatened our country! The best Chardonnay white wines in Italy are produced in Friuli and Trentino Alto Adige.

CHARDONNAY WINE

The character of the wines from this vine is very variable because good Chardonnay can be produced both through vinification as a single varietal (classic method, sparkling or still) and or in a blend with other vines. It can undergo, and indeed is enhanced by, ageing, and especially by ageing in oak barrels, which is not common for white wines that are not especially aromatic. Usually it produces a relatively high alcohol content which, together with a slight sweetness, have greatly influenced its popularity. A bright greenish-yellow colour, characteristic smell, delicate and fruity with aromatic notes of tropical fruits, peaches and flowers, dry taste, sapid, full and characteristic with good acidity. If vinified as sparkling wine it has a fine, persistent froth and a perlage, and, on the nose, it has a component of yeast scent.
“BAG-IN-BOX” CHARDONNAY single varietal available on our ONLINE SHOP:
BAG-IN-BOX WHITE WINE CHARDONNAY IGT VENEZIA GIULIA 12% – 5 LITRES
contains sulfites