In recognition of International Chardonnay Day this week, I thought I would share 6 facts about Chardonnay you may or may not know.
So if you haven't had a chardonnay in a while, why not have a glass or two today.
- Globally, Chardonnay is now the most widely planted white grape variety.
- Australia is the third largest producer of Chardonnay in the world behind France and United States
- Chardonnay is related to Pinot Noir. It’s a natural crossing of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc (a near extinct variety that was widely planted throughout France in the Middle Ages, originally thought to have been transported in from Croatia. ). This is why Chardonnay and Pinot Noir always seem to grow together.
- The village of Chardonnay is a small village located east centre of France in the region of Bourgogne (Burgundy), which is part of the district of Mâcon.
- And despite the fact many associate of Burgundy with Pinot Noir, there is much more Chardonnay in Burgundy than Pinot Noir. In fact it accounts for around 60% of Burgundy's wine output.
- Chardonnay is a major grape in sparkling wine, and Champagne. If you see “Blanc de blancs” on a sparkling label, you’re almost certainly drinking 100% Chardonnay.
So if you haven't had a chardonnay in a while, why not have a glass or two today.