Chardonnay [shar-dun-nay]

efinition: A white grape believed to be a variant of the Pinot Blanc grape; also known as Arnoison, Aubaine, Beaunois, Melon Blanc and Melon d' Arbois.

Grown primarily in: Australia, Canada, France, Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, New Zealand, South Africa and United States

Best Climate: Cool

Winemaking: Usually 100% varietal. In Australia it's sometimes blended with Semillon and labeled Semillon/Chardonnay. Most chardonnays spend time in oak, either barrel fermented and/or aged. Most undergo malolactic fermentation (ML) to soften the acidity of the wine.

Nose: Tropical fruit (pineapple, papaya, mango), apple, pears, citrus, fig, melon, vanilla, butter/butterscotch, oak.

Mouth: Medium to full body, good acidity. Round on the palate when malolactic percentage is high.

Note: Chardonnay is the most popular wine in the United States. It is even preferred more often than White Zinfandel.

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