Chardonnay Flavours and Aromas
Chardonnay is neutral in flavour, which makes it a great messenger of the soils (terroir). The structure and flavours of Chardonnays vary depending on what soil’s types it is planted. It is vinified in many different styles, from the lean and mineral wines of Chablis to the richer style of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy, France, or the New World wines with oak and tropical fruit flavours.
In cool climates, it tends to be medium to light bodied with noticeable acidity and aromas of green plum, apple, and pear. In warmer locations such as the Adelaide Hills and in Australia or Napa Valley in California, aromas and flavours are rounder with a richer yellow ripe fruits palate. Chardonnay's popularity peaked in the late 1980s and became the major player on the white wine production due to its versatility and adaptability to be planted in different regions and climates.
Oaked vs Unoaked Chardonnay
Chardonnays are divided in two main categories: Unoaked, which gives lean, crisp and fresh and usually affordable wines. Oaked Chardonnays are higher-end wines from California, Burgundy, and Australia, among others. Those are rounder, richer and have a longer aging potential.
Chardonnay is also a major element in the sparkling wine production: Champagne, Crémant, Franciacorta, Trento and others. At Corney & Barrow, there is a large range of Chardonnays from Burgundy, Champagne, California, Italy, and the rest of the world.