What is it?
Genetic analysis has shown that it is the result of a cross-pollination between Gouais, a very old medieval grape variety, and Pinot Noir. Its bunches are relatively small and elongated. Its berries turn a magnificent golden color during veraison. That's why it's often called the "golden grape". Chardonnay is an early variety. Its first buds appear early, making it sensitive to spring frosts.
It is used to make both still and sparkling wines, and sometimes even sweet wines.
The Chardonnay grape also exists in pink, discovered in Burgundy in the vineyards of Marsannay, but also in Champagne, at Rilly-la-Montagne. It has been listed in the "Catalogue des variétés de vigne" since 2018.
Blanc de Blancs Champagne
A particularity of Champagne, Blanc de Blancs is designated for wines made from 100% Chardonnay.
At Ruinart, it is the emblem of the house and reigns supreme! Chardonnay lends the House's champagnes the purity of fresh fruit, notes of citrus and exotic fruit, an airy quality, roundness and a silky texture on the palate. The grapes are sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and northern Montagne de Reims.
Taittinger's sublime Cuvée Comtes de Champagne 2008 is a blanc de blancs made from 100% Chardonnay from the finest parcels classified as grand cru in the Côte des Blancs. After aging for more than 8 years, at a depth of 18 meters in the chalk pits of the former Saint-Nicaise Abbey in Reims.
AR Lenoble's "Les Aventures" cuvée is a 100% Chardonnay from a plot in Chouilly. A vinous Chardonnay, with a spicy, buttery, powerful nose.
Cuvée Brut Cuve 38 from Maison Henriot is exceptional! It's a blend of small lots of Grand Cru Chardonnay harvested between 1990 and 2007, and aged using the solera method.
Tasting
Chardonnay has the ability to adapt anywhere, revealing each time the particular expression of the terroir in which it is planted. From one region to another, from one appellation to another, from one bottle to another, Chardonnays are truly different. In Champagne, Chardonnay wines are characterized by delicate aromas, with floral notes that evolve into citrus, and sometimes minerality.
Traditionally considered the Champagne of aperitifs, like Gosset's Grand Blanc de Blancs, it can also accompany a dinner from starter to cheese.
