European Chardonnay
Throughout the world, growers look to Burgundy for the optimal soil composition to plant the Chardonnay grape. The soils of the famous Cote d'Or in Northern Burgundy are primarily limestone mixed with clay.
Tradition is strong in this region and many wines are allowed to ferment with their natural yeasts. Chaptalization may be used because the cool climate does not always fully ripen the grapes. Famous wines from this region include Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Chassagne-Montrachet.
The cool temperatures of Chablis produce Chardonnay that has distinctive mineral and steely qualities. Soils in Chablis are dominated by chalky limestone and marl.
Champagne is a sunny region, but winds keep temperatures relatively low. Although Chardonnay does not completely ripen here, these grapes are prized for their finesse and are used for sparkling wine. The soils of Champagne are almost entirely made of chalk.
Within France, Chardonnay is also widely planted in Alsace, Savoie, and Loire Valley. Most of these wines are straight-forward with good acidity and balanced characteristics.
Italy is also increasingly producing Chardonnay, especially in Tuscany. However, there is some debate as to how many of these vines are actually Pinot Blanc. Nonetheless, producers are reducing yields in the vineyard and refining the use of oak in the winery with impressive results.
