ISG Session 2: Chardonnay
Warm Climate Corrections
Acidified and subjected to dealcoholization (where permitted)
New World Regions
Argentina (Mendoza, rich and oaky), Australia (oak and tropical flavors), California (Napa - oaked, Sonoma Coast - unoaked), Chile (Casablanca, unoaked), New Zealand (Marlborough - cool climate, Gisborne - warm climate), South Africa (Western Cape - coastal climate), PNW (Washington and Oregon)
Unoaked Warm Climate Food Pairings
Aromatic and herb scented fish, light dishes with fruit notes
Other European Regions
Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland
Chardonnay Origin
Burgundy, France
Cool Climate Corrections
Chaptalization - sugar added before fermentation to increase alcohol
Oaked Food Pairings
Creamy/buttery sauces, poultry, white meat, brie & camembert cheese, mild cheddar
Cooler Regions
Crisp and refreshing with medium alcohol
Budding and Ripening
Early budding and early ripening - can over ripen in warm climates
Burgundy
East central France
Winery Basics
Fresh juice is rather neutral - easily manipulated and allows creativity
Susceptibility
Frost, couloure, millerandage, rot (moist soil and humid/wet environment), powdery mildew
Nose
Green apple, pear, lemon, stone fruits, tropical fruits, baked apple Minerality (terroir) Cream/butter (MLF) Bread/yeast (bâttonage) Vanilla, toast, oak, smoke, caramelized nuts, honey (oak aging)
Grape Color
Greenish yellow/green, yellow, large and thin skinned with freckles
Warm to Hot Regions
Higher in alcohol, fuller bodies, lower acidity
Warm Climate Palate
Medium acidity, moderate to high alcohol, medium to full body
Cool Climate Palate
Medium to high acidity & body, moderate alcohol, subtle flavors of apple, pear, and tree fruit
Chablis
Northernmost region in Burgundy. High acid, mineral rich, no oak
Warm Climate Appearance
Oak aged - moderate to deep gold/yellow
Noble Grapes of Champagne
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Soil
Prefers calcareous soil (limestone, chalk, & chalky marl of Champagne and Burgundy)
Côte de Blancs
Primary region in Champagne for Chardonnay
Yield
Produces naturally reliable and consistently moderate yields - up to 6T per acre
Cellaring Potential
Ready to drink, but top wines can age 10+ years
Champagne
Region in Northeast France
Unoaked Cool Climate Food Pairings
Simple, salty, fresh shellfish
Côte de Beaune
South of Chablis. Rich, oak fermented, extended aged wine. Notable villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet
Mâconnais
Southernmost region of Burgundy region. Creates wines between the styles of Chablis and Côte de Beaune. Notable village of Pouilly-Fuissé
Cool Climate Appearance
Stainless steel, moderate straw with green notes
