Chardonnay Flashcards
Learn characteristics, winemaking/maturation, and important regions of Chardonnay.
In what climates can Chardonnay grow?
- Cool
- Moderate
- Warm
What can greatly affect Chardonnay’s flavor profile?
What climate it’s grown in.
The cooler the climate, the more under-ripe and green-fruited it will be;
The warmer the climate, the more ripe and tropical it will be.
Describe the profile of a cool climate Chardonnay.
- Light to medium body
- High acidity
- Green orchard fruits (apple, pear)
- Tart citrus
- River rock
Describe the profile of a moderate climate Chardonnay.
- Medium to full body
- Medium to high acidity
- Ripe citrus
- Melon (green, orange)
- Stone fruits
Describe the profile of a warm climate Chardonnay.
- Full body
- Medium acid
- Ripe peach/stone fruits
- Tropical fruits/pineapple
What is a typical winemaking adjustment made to warm climate Chardonnays?
Acidification
What winemaking options can be deployed to add complexity to Chardonnay?
- Malolactic conversion
- Oak vessels
- Lees aging
All are optional; when used, winemakers must ensure the wine remains in balance.
What are some more affordable alternatives to using new oak barrels?
- Oak staves
- Oak chips
These alternatives are used on low- and medium-quality wines, not premium wines.
Which region in France grows and produces some of the finest Chardonnays in the world?
Burgundy
Fill in the blank:
In Burgundy, excellent examples of Chardonnay come from the more northern, cool climate appellation of _____. You can also find good examples of Chardonnay further south in Burgundy, in the more moderate climate area of _____.
Chablis in the north, Mâconnais in the south
What is Burgundy’s most northern AOC for Chardonnay?
Chablis AOC
What regional AOC can be used on a label if the Chardonnay grapes came from anywhere within Burgundy?
Bourgogne AOC
As Chablis is a cool climate, what will the flavor profile and style of Chardonnays from here be?
- High acidity
- Light to medium body
- Green fruits (apple, pear)
- Citrus fruits (lemon)
- Wet stone
- Dry
In which direction do most Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis face?
South/southwest
Why does having a south/southwest facing vineyard help in cool climates like Chablis?
- maximum sun exposure
- helps the grapes ripen
- develops more flavorful characteristics
What is the main weather threat for Chablis?
Springtime frost
What can happen to the vine if frost strikes?
Frost can burn new plant material and cause flowers to fall off, decreasing that vintage’s yields before the flowers even turn into grapes.
Generally, does Chablis see lots of new oak or no oak at all?
No oak
Most Chablis are raised in inert vessels.Some Grand Cru Chablis will see some new oak.
What is the climate of the Côte d’Or?
Moderate
Which Chardonnay will taste riper, peachier, and have a medium body: Chablis or one from the Côte d’Or?
One from the Côte d’Or due to its more moderate climate.