3.10 Chardonnay Flashcards
What are Chardonnay’s preferred climates?
Cool
Warm
Moderate
What styles is chardonnay used to create?
a broad range:
high volume/premium
Still/sparkling
oaked/un-oaked
crisp, light/full-bodied
What can greatly affect Chardonnay’s flavor profile?
Climate
Describe typical cool climate Chardonnay
High acid
Light to medium body
Flavors of green fruit (pear, apple), citrus fruits (lemon) and wet stones
Describe typical moderate climate Chardonnay
Medium to high acidity
Medium to full body
Flavors of lemon, stone fruit (Peach) and sometimes tropical fruit (melon)
Describe typical warm climate Chardonnay
Full bodied
Medium acid
Flavors of stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit(pineapple, banana)
What is a typical winemaking adjustment made to warm climate Chardonnays?
Acidification (most useful in warm climates)
To add complexity, what winemaking options can be used to produce Chardonnay?
Malolactic conversion (MLC)
Oak ageing
Lees ageing
What characteristics does MLC impart to wine?
Lees ageing?
Oak ageing?
Dairy flavors and softer acids
Flavors of bread and biscuit
Oak ageing adds body as well as smoke, vanilla and/or coconut flavors and aromas
What are some more cost effective alternatives to new oak barrels?
Oak staves, chips
Are very good/outstanding Chardonnays age-worthy?
Yes
They develop hazelnut and mushroom tertiary aromas/flavors
Must MLC, oak ageing and lees ageing be used judiciously?
Yes- the winemaker must always strive for BALANCE
Which region in France grows and produces some of the top Chardonnays?
Burgundy
Which northern climate area of Burgundy produces cool climate Chardonnay?
Chablis AOC
Which area of Burgundy, south of Chablis, produces moderate climate Chardonnay?
Cote d’Or
Which areas in Burgundy, south of the Cote d’Or also produce quality Chardonnay?
Cote Challonaise
Maconnais
What regional AOC can be used on a label if the Chardonnay grapes came from anywhere within Burgundy?
Bourgogne AOC
Usually simple wines
High acid
apple/lemon flavors
What type of appellation is Chablis AOC?
Village
The best vineyards are designated as either
1e Cru (Premier Cru)
Grand Cru
In which direction do most Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis face?
S/SW
best sun exposure (allows greater ripeness in this northern area)
develops more flavorful characteristics
Describe the style of Chablis AOC?
- High acidity
- Light to medium body
- Green fruits (apple, pear)
- Citrus fruits (lemon)
- Wet stone
- Dry
- Use of new oak rare in all but a few of the top vineyards - most prefer to highlight grape characteristics
- Lees ageing is becoming more common here
What weather threatens Chablis?
Spring frost
Frost can burn young growth and cause flowers to fall off, decreasing yields
In general, are Chablis wines matured in new oak?
No
(Some Grand Cru use it)