Chardonnay around the world Tasting at Cafe Maxx

A bit about Chardonnay:

For much of the Chardonnay varietal's history, a connection was assumed between Chardonnay and Pinot noir or Pinot blanc. In addition to being found in the same region of France for centuries, ampelographers noted that the leaves of each plant have near-identical shape and structure. Pierre Galet disagreed with this assessment, believing that Chardonnay was not related to any other major grape variety. Viticulturalists Maynard Amerine & Harold Olmo proposed a descendency from a wild Vitis vinifera vine that was a step removed from white Muscat.

Chardonnay's true origins were further obscured by vineyard owners in Lebanon and Syria, who claimed that the grape's ancestry could be traced to the Middle East, from where it was introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders, though there is little external evidence to support that theory.

Another theory about the evolution of Chardonnay is that it originated from an ancient indigenous vine found in Cyprus. Modern DNA fingerprinting research done at University of California, Davis, now suggests that Chardonnay is the result of a cross between the Pinot and Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) grape varieties. It is thought that the Romans brought Gouais Blanc from Croatia, and it was widely cultivated by peasants in Eastern France. The Pinot of the French aristocracy grew in close proximity to the Gouais Blanc, giving both grapes ample opportunity to interbreed. Since the two parents were genetically distant, many of the crosses showed hybrid vigour and were selected for further propagation. These "successful" crosses included Chardonnay and siblings such as Aligoté, Aubin Vert, Auxerrois, Bachet noir, Beaunoir, Franc Noir de la-Haute-Saône, Gamay Blanc Gloriod, Gamay noir, Melon, Knipperlé, Peurion, Roublot, Sacy[6] and Dameron.

There are around 40 clonal varieties of Chardonnay that can be found around the world today, most of which were developed at the University of Burgundy in Dijon. The so-called "Dijon clones" are bred for their adaptive attributes, with vineyard owners planting the clonal variety best suited to their terroir and which will produce the type of characteristics that they are seeking in the wine. Examples include the lower-yielding clones Dijon-76, 95 & 96 that produce more flavor-concentrated clusters. Dijon-77 & 809 produce more aromatic wines with a "grapey" perfume, while Dijon-75, 78, 121, 124, 125 & 277 are more vigorous and higher yielding clones.

New World varieties include the Mendoza clone, which produced some of the early Californian Chardonnays. The Mendoza clone is prone to developed millerandage, also known as "hens and chicks", where the berries develop unevenly.

Villa Maria Unoaked, Hawks Bay 2013  

Price: $ Sale $    Case $

The fruit was harvested and gently pressed. The juice underwent cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks to promote aromatics and primary fruit flavours. Approximately 50% of this wine underwent malolactic fermentation with weekly lees stirring contributing to layers of creamy texture on the palate.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge 2013 

Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

The Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay is refined and elegant and offers apple and citrus aromas with a clean, refreshing finish. We age the wine in lighter French oak barrels to maintain the fresh, elegant style of this Chardonnay.

Stag’s leap Wine Cellars “Karia” Napa 2013

Price: $28.25       Sale $24.86          Case $289

This graceful Chardonnay opens with aromas of peach, yellow apple, spice and a pleasing sweet cream vanilla note. The wine has a soft entry with citrus and light honey notes that lead to a lingering sweet lemon finish. There is a nice balance to the acidity and minerality that enhances the freshness and elegance of this wine.

Antinori Cervaro Della Sala Chardonnay Umbria 2012

Price: $54.00       Sale $47.52          Case $551

A luminous yellow in color with greenish highlights, the wine, despite a hot vintage, maintains the savory freshness of the Mediterranean style thanks to a slightly early harvest of the grapes. The nose shows notes of chamomile, flint, and tropical fruit. The palate is mineral and the vibrant flavors fuse, with a perfect elegance, with the buttery notes and the light touches of vanilla.

Franciscan Chardonnay Napa 2012 

Price: $20.25       Sale $17.82          Case $207

Inviting aromas of citrus, Golden Delicious apple, vanilla, and subtle spice from the toasted oak draw you in. Delicate mineral and lemon-lime are hidden behind star jasmine and honeysuckle notes.

Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2013 

Price: $19.50       Sale $17.16          Case $199

Our Riva Ranch Chardonnay is a beautifully rich, yet balanced style of Chardonnay that represents what the Arroyo Seco appellation has to give. Deep, rich soils allow for vines with deep roots, which help to deliver rich fruit flavors. In addition to the classic Chardonnay aromas of apple and pear, Arroyo Seco consistently delivers aromas of tropical fruits and stone fruits. This is distinctly a California style of Chardonnay, but is consistently well balanced with ample acidity.

Girard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2013

Price: $23.75       Sale $20.90          Case $243

French Oak is present, but not dominating in this lush Chardonnay. The aromatics exhibit fresh pear, lemon zest, and smoked almonds. Bright acidity creates an elegant structure with crisp apple, white peach, and a hint of cinnamon on the palate.

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Sonoma 2013  

Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

The 2013 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay has superior lots of wine from our vineyards in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Carneros. This full-bodied Chardonnay boasts aromas of pear, green apple, honeydew, orange, lychee and peach perfectly balanced by a fruity entry with refreshing acidity with flavors of Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, vanilla, pineapple and a floral finish.