Chardonnay

The region of central, eastern France that includes Burgundy and Champagne is home to the world famous Chardonnay grape. In the late 20th century, winemakers around the globe wanted to emulate the immense quality and character of wines grown here, particularly in the Côte d'Or, which caused worldwide plantings to soar. Chardonnay is a very versatile variety that can adapt to many different climates and still ripen well. But just because you can, doesn't mean you should. The huge wave of poor quality Chardonnay that flooded the markets caused a backlash against the grape and now it often received a mixed reaction.

But make no mistake, top quality Chardonnay makes some of the best wine in the world. Naturally neutral in flavour, it has an amazing ability to take on characteristics from its growing environment or from different winemaking techniques. In recent years, the Jura has emerged as one of the top regions for producing non-oxidative, acid driven Chardonnays made without influence of oak flavours and with low intervention winemaking methods. It remains a primary grape in the production of Champagne and is still very much the pride of Burgundy.