Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Chardonnay comes from Burgundy and is a cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc. The bunches and berries are small. It can reach high sugar while keeping good acidity, which gives balanced, full wines, and it is equally at home in still wines, in Champagne-style sparkling wines and in oak barrels. Typical aromas range from exotic and dried fruit to hazelnut, butter and toasty notes.
Characteristics
White wine grape; small bunches; small berries; high sugar with good acidity; early ripening; early budbreak; usually pruned long; prefers moderately fertile limestone or marl soils; susceptible to powdery mildew; grey rot possible late in ripening on vigorous vines
Growing Tips
Chardonnay buds early, so avoid frost pockets where spring frost could hit the new shoots. It is usually pruned long. It is susceptible to powdery mildew, so start protecting the vine early in the season. On vigorous vines grey rot can develop near harvest, so keep growth moderate and the bunch zone open.