Chardonnay Vine Variety

Chardonnay is one of the largest white grape varieties in the world. Born in Burgundy, it has now spread almost all over the world. It has an incredible variety of aromatic components, which emerge in different ways according to the soils and climates where it is grown. If yields are kept within 70/80 quintals/ha, important and structured wines are obtained. Its only weak point is its early germination, with the risk of spring frosts. The thin skin of the berries can favor rot. The moment of the harvest is fundamental which, if advanced, gives wines with too low acidity. It is an essential ingredient of the best sparkling wines in the world and has great aging potential. Italy boasts a long tradition, especially in the subalpine belt, in the cultivation of this vine. Today it is produced in almost all the nation with variable results, excellent Chardonnays can be found in Piedmont, Friuli, Veneto, Trentino, Valle d'Aosta, Tuscany and Sicily. It has medium-sized leaves, entire, wavy and smooth; medium-small cluster, compact with a cylindrical-conical shape, sometimes with two slightly pronounced wings; small, spheroid berry, with thin, pruinose, green-yellow skin. It ripens in the second fortnight of August.