Chardonnay and his clones

Origin:

Chardonnay almost certainly comes from Burgundy. According to recent DNA studies it is a cross between Pinot and Gouais blanc.

In Burgundy, he is still responsible for the great white Burgundies today. The Chablis is also made from Chardonnay.
 

Synonyms:

Blanc De Champagne, Pinot Chardonnay, Pinot de Bourgogne

Requirements to the vineyard site:

Although Chardonnay buds quite early (problems with spring frost) it ripens later than Pinot blanc or Pinot gris. Therefore, he needs a good vineyard site which is not too windy, because he can get problems with millerandage (hen and chicken).

Spread:

With over 200,000 hectares, Chardonnay is one of the world's most cultivated varieties.
In Germany, more than 2,100 ha (2018) are now planted with Chardonnay. Most of them in Rhineland-Palatinate.

The worldwide spread also benefits from the fact that Chardonnay produces very good wines in many climates. It can also be planted in warm, sometimes even in hot climates, as the acid remains relatively stable for a long time.

Specials:

Chardonnay is a little more susceptible for powdery mildew than the Burgundy varieties. Botrytis, however, is usually not a big problem with Chardonnay. The berry skin seems to be somewhat more resistant here.

Clones:

Chardonnay has two very different types. Besides the normal "neutral clones" there are also the "Muscat clones". The berries of these clones have a partly very strong Muscat taste.