10. Chardonnay Flashcards
Chardonnay grapes can be grown in which climates?
Warm, moderate and cool
A typical cool climate Chardonnay displays what characteristics?
High acidity, light to medium body, flavours of green fruits, citrus fruits and wet stones
A typical moderate climate Chardonnay displays what characteristics?
Medium to high acidity, medium to full body, flavours of lemon, stone fruits, and sometimes tropical fruits
A typical warm climate Chardonnay displays what characteristics?
Medium acidity, full bodies, flavours of stone fruit and tropical fruit
What adjustment is often used by warm climate Chardonnay producers to improve the balance of the wine?
Acidification
Which winemaking process is often used by Chardonnay producers to soften harsh acids and add dairy flavours?
Malolactic conversion
Malolactic conversion is often used by Chardonnay producers to do what?
Soften harsh acids and add dairy flavours
Which adjustments / winemaking processes are often used in the production of Chardonnay wines
Acidification (in warm climate) Malolactic conversion (to soften harsh acids) Less contact (to add body and bread flavours) Oak maturation (add body and flavours)
What common tertiary flavours can be developed in bottle aged Chardonnay?
Mushroom and hazelnut
The use of stainless steel tank fermentation is more likely in which climate for Chardonnay production?
Cool climate
What type of vessel is often used for fermentation or maturation in warm climate Chardonnay production?
Oak barrels (or other oak use)
Which six countries are most well known for the production of Chardonnay?
France, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa
Which wine region in France is famed for the production of Chardonnay?
Burgundy
What is the lowest level of PDO production of Chardonnay in Burgundy?
Bourgogne AOC
What are the 5 key village level appellations of Chardonnay production in Burgundy?
Chablis
Cote d’Or: Mersault, Puligny-Montrachet
Maconnais: Macon, Pouilly-Fuisse
What are the typical chardonnay characteristics of Chablis?
Dry, high acidity, flavours of apple, lemon and wet stones
What climatic influence can negatively impact the production / yields of Chardonnay in Chablis?
Cool climate = increased chance of frost
What adjustments / winemaking processes are often used in the production of Chablis?
Typically limited use of winemaking options to preserve the delicacy of cool climate fruit flavours. Use of inert vessels most common
The Cote D’Or is a ___ climate
Moderate climate
What primary aromas are common in a Cote D’or Chardonnay?
Riper fruit (compared to Chablis), often stone fruits - peach and melon
Which two villages in the Cote d’Or are famed for the production of high quality Chardonnay?
Mersault
Puligny-Montrachet
Mersault and Puligny-Montrachet are most well known for the production of which grape?
Chardonnay
The Cote d’Or is a sub-region of which famous wine producing region?
Burgundy - best known for the production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines
Which regions and appellations are best known for the use of oak and lees contact in Burgundy chardonnay?
Cote d’Or: Mersault & Puligny Montrachet