Chardonnay

Grape variety	Chardonnay
Synonyms	Aubaine, Beaunois, Melon blanc, Pinot Chardonnay.
Grape colour	White grape
History	Chardonnay is an internationally recognized grape variety that was first cultivated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France. While there is no definitive answer as to where the grape's name comes from, many believe it to be derived from 'Cardonnacum', which in Latin means 'the place of chardons or thistles'. In the late 18th and 19th century, Chardonnay started to be recognized outside of France, notably in Australia, New Zealand, and California. Today, it is planted in more wine regions globally than any other grape variety.
Ampelographic features	Leaf: Medium-sized, five-lobed with a slightly open petiolar sinus. Bunch: Small to medium size, cylindrical and compact, often with a wing. Berry: Small, circular, greenish-yellow when ripe, with a thin skin that is susceptible to botrytis (gray rot) and other fungal diseases.
Characteristics of the wine	Chardonnay wines are often characterized by their buttery, creamy flavors when aged in oak, or their lean, crisp profiles when stainless steel is used. The wines can range from being neutral in flavor to ripe and tropical depending on the climate and soil where the grape is grown. Chardonnay is also a key ingredient in many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne. Its flexibility and popularity in winemaking has led to it being called the 'winemaker's grape'.