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Chardonnay Grapes

Chardonnay grapes are white wine grapes that are grown all around the world. The most popular region for growing Chardonnay Grapes is Burgundy in France and it is thought that this is where Chardonnay wine originated. Most people believe that Chardonnay grapes were first cultivated by ancient vineyards when they began cross-pollinating between Pinot grapevines and Gouais Blanc grapevines.

The world's two best known regions for growing Chardonnay grapes are the Burgundy region in France and California's Carneros District. Chardonnay grapes grow best in cooler climates that offer warm days and cool nights and both of these regions offer the perfect climate. Chardonnay grapes can also adapt well to warmer climates such as that of Australia. When it comes to Chardonnay grapes, France and California will probably always be know for producing world-class Chardonnay wines but don't confine yourself to only Chardonnay wines from these two areas. Some of the most sought after Chardonnay wines come from Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and South Africa.

Chardonnay wines often have a buttery taste and tend to be less acidic than Sauvignon Blanc varieties of wine (like Italian Sauvignon Blanc Wines). A good buttery Chardonnay wine is real treat to the senses. Chardonnay grapes are also used in the making of some of the best Champagnes on the market and can also be among some of the most expensive.

Unfortunately, Chardonnay wines and other wines made with Chardonnay grapes are usually more expensive than other types of wine. This has a lot to do with the fact that Chardonnay grapes are best when fermented in oak barrels where they can pick up subtle buttery and vanilla overtones in both aroma and flavor. Chardonnay grapes are small, thin skinned and fragile. This also adds to the cost of cultivating Chardonnay grapes because great care must be taken during harvesting.

Chardonnay grapes grown in cooler climates produce wines which are rich in fruity flavors such as apples, pineapples and melons. Chardonnay grapes grown in warmer climates often produce wines with wonderfully unique flavors like honey and butterscotch. The very best Buttery Chardonnays come from warmer climates.

Although wines made from Chardonnay grapes are considered to be one of the more expensive choices in wine, its taste and aroma make it well worth it. Chardonnay wines match very well with poultry and sea food and they also make the perfect accompaniment to a Romantic Picnic.

Regardless of where it is grown, the Chardonnay grape produces a wine that has an excellent balance between sugar and acidity. This unique balance is probably the Chardonnay grape's greatest asset and one of the main reasons that Chardonnay wines are so incredibly popular. (see also Inexpensive Chardonnay Wines and Chardonnay Wine Recommendations)

Are you interested in growing your own grapes at home? If so, I can personally recommend this book by Danie Wium. I recently began growing my own grapes for use in winemaking and this book was an invaluable tool along the way.