Chardonnay

Question 1

What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a cool climate?

Answer 1

High acidity, green fruit (apple, pear), citrus (lemon), and sometimes wet stone or mineral notes.

Question 2

What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a moderate climate?

Answer 2

Medium to high acidity, stone fruit (peach), citrus (lemon), and some hints of melon.

Question 3

What are the primary characteristics of Chardonnay in a warm climate?

Answer 3

Medium acidity, stone fruit (peach, apricot), tropical fruit (pineapple, mango), and sometimes banana.

Question 4

What is the typical body and acidity level of Chardonnay?

Answer 4

Light to full body with medium to high acidity.

Question 5

What is the range of styles that Chardonnay can produce?

Answer 5

Dry wines ranging from light and crisp to full-bodied and creamy, with or without oak influence.

Question 6

How does malolactic fermentation affect Chardonnay?

Answer 6

It softens the wine’s acidity and adds buttery, creamy flavors.

Question 7

What is the impact of lees aging on Chardonnay?

Answer 7

Adds texture and flavors like bread, biscuit, and creaminess.

Question 8

What flavors does oak aging add to Chardonnay?

Answer 8

Vanilla, toast, coconut, and sometimes smoky or spicy notes.

Question 9

What styles of Chardonnay are typically unoaked?

Answer 9

Crisp, high-acid wines emphasizing citrus, green apple, and mineral flavors, such as Chablis.

Question 10

Why is Chardonnay often used in sparkling wine production?

Answer 10

Its high acidity and subtle flavors make it ideal for balance and complexity, such as in Champagne.

Question 11

What are the key regions for Chardonnay in France?

Answer 11

Burgundy (Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Mâconnais), Champagne, and Languedoc.

Question 12

What are the characteristics of Chablis Chardonnay?

Answer 12

High acidity, green fruit, citrus, and mineral or flinty notes with little or no oak influence.

Question 13

What are the characteristics of Côte de Beaune Chardonnay (e.g., Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet)?

Answer 13

Medium to full-bodied, with stone fruit, citrus, and toasty oak flavors.

Question 14

What are the key regions for Chardonnay in the USA?

Answer 14

California (Napa, Sonoma, Carneros), Oregon, and Washington.

Question 15

How does Australian Chardonnay differ from French styles?

Answer 15

Typically fuller-bodied, with riper tropical fruit flavors and pronounced oak influence (e.g., Barossa, Yarra Valley).

Question 16

What are the key regions for Chardonnay in New Zealand?

Answer 16

Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, producing wines with citrus, stone fruit, and balanced oak.

Question 17

What are the characteristics of South African Chardonnay?

Answer 17

Often rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe citrus and tropical fruit, balanced by oak (e.g., Walker Bay).

Question 18

What style of Chardonnay is produced in Chile?

Answer 18

High-acidity wines with citrus and tropical fruit, often with subtle oak (e.g., Casablanca Valley).

Question 19

What foods pair well with crisp, unoaked Chardonnay?

Answer 19

Light seafood dishes, oysters, and salads with citrus-based dressings.

Question 20

What foods pair well with full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay?

Answer 20

Creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, and rich seafood like lobster or scallops.