Chapter 7: Chardonnay Flashcards
Ideal climate for chardonnay?
Unusually it can be made in any climate. Cool to hot
What is Chardonnay?
Not an aromatic grape variety. The delicacy of the fruit make is suitable for expressing oak and yeast derived flavours. In some areas it can produce restrained wines sometimes described as steely and minerally.
Cool climate Chardonnay flavours? Cool climate areas Chardonnay is grown?
Green fruit (apple and pear) with citrus and occasionally veggie notes (cucumber) example Chablis
Moderate climate Chardonnay flavours? Moderate climate areas Chardonnay is grown?
The wine may taste of white stone fruit (peach) with citrus notes and a hint of melon. Example most of burgundy and some premium new world regions.
Hot climate Chardonnay flavours? Hot climate areas Chardonnay is grown?
The flavours are more likely tropical fruit notes (peach, banana and pineapple and even mango and fig) areas include new world sites
What is malolactic fermentation and what flavours does it produce?
A process to soften harsh acids, the lees can be stirred through the wine to add a creamy texture and savoury flavours. Dairy (butter and cream)
What are lees?
Dead yeast cells left behind after fermentation has finished
What flavours do oak give Chardonnay?
Toast, vanilla and coconut
White burgundy
Where arguably Chardonnay finds its best expression (most expensive too) grown throughout burgundy.
Bourgogne?
Wine made from grapes throughout the region of burgundy
Chablis
Has a cool climate, produces bone dry wines with high acidity and and can be austere with green fruit and citrus notes. Smokey, flinty and mineral signature can be found. These are more pronounced in premier cru and grand cru.
Côte d’Or
Heart of burgundy. Has moderate climate
What are le Montrachet Chardonnay’s known for?
Being judged as the very finest dry white wine in the world. With prices to match
Maconnais?
Southern major region of burgundy. Large volumes of moderately priced, light, fruity (melon, citrus) most see little to no oak and are sold as Macon.
Pouilly- fuisse?
Full bodied chardonnays often with tropical fruit and oak. These come from a series of steep sun trap slopes at the far south of Maconnais
