Chardonnay, Piedmont
Chardonnay is a semi-aromatic white grape variety originating from Burgundy and today widespread in many countries such as Italy, United States, Chile, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Israel and Argentina. Especially in Burgundy the Chardonnay has an early ripening which subjects the plant to spring frosts especially in the flat areas. A very versatile grape, Chardonnay lends itself to the production of fresh and young wines, as well as to products suitable for aging after a long phase of aging in barrique. Late harvesting often represents a problem due to the loss of acidity necessary to confer the conservation capacity for products falling within this category. In Italy, with 20.00 hectares dedicated to its production, Chardonnay is successfully produced in Piedmont, Trentino, Aosta Valley, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy where the acidity is more marked, while the diffusion in regions such as Apulia and Sicily is suitable for the production of wines with greater body and roundness. Therefore, there are many appellations that welcome Chardonnay such as South Tyrol, Castel del Monte, Trento, Trevenezie. The debate on the use of wood is still open, used both in the fermentation and aging phases, remaining a decisive choice in defining the style and recognisability of the producer. In particular, California has adopted this production style for Chardonnay, getting used to rich and dense wines, of great aromatic depth and very different from those produced in Burgundy. To understand the versatility of Chardonnay it would also be enough to compare the Chardonnay from the Chablis region with that produced in the more famous Burgundian area of the Côte de Beaune and in particular from the villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, or from more southern areas such as Mâconnais. Of particular interest is the New Zealand Chardonnay, with greater acidity, with an aromatic range including exotic fruit, floral scents and evident herbaceous tones. If we look at Chile, Chardonnay comes from the region of Casablanca, Leiden Valley and Lìmari Valley. In Chile, the quality of the Chardonnay produced depends enormously on the presence of the oceanic climate that influences the coastal regions: lemon peel, green apple and nuts combine with intense minerality, resulting from the ripening of grapes subject to the presence of cold current of Humboldt from the Pacific. This type of Chilean Chardonnay, notoriously not aged in cask, is suitable for sushi dishes, seafood, white meat dishes and risottos with vegetables. Straw yellow in color, Chardonnay gives wines with hints of tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple, which evolve into hints of dried fruit such as almond and hazelnut, expressing, especially following malolactic fermentation and aging in barrique, aromas of butter and vanilla. Ideal in combination with foie gras and soft cheeses.
Buy Chardonnay
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Does sparkling Chardonnay exist?
Chardonnay is the basic grape variety in the production of Champagne and Franciacorta, both considered sparkling wines obtained with the Metodo Classico, a process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle. A base wine to which carbon dioxide is added and which is then stored in the bottle under pressure is usually defined as 'artificial sparkling'.
What are the characteristics of the Chardonnay grape?
Chardonnay grapes have medium sized clusters with a pyramidal and compact shape. The berries are medium-sized and yellow in color tending to golden. It is a variety with high vigor and usually tends to preserve the acidity of the fruit both to facilitate the production of sparkling wines and to maintain a good aging capacity. It develops very well on hilly soils with calcareous soils and shows extreme sensitivity to spring frosts due to early budding.
What are the best Italian Chardonnays?
Italy is rich in great examples of white wines and among the best Chardonnays can be considered: those from regions such as Trentino, South Tyrol and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, united by a colder climate that allows the development of greater minerality and hints that recall an evident acidity such as green apple, lime and pleasant herbaceous notes. On the contrary, Chardonnay bred in the southern regions of the peninsula is aided in maturation by losing part of the acid charge and presenting a more consistent body and hints of yellow and tropical fruit.

Piedmontese wine represents one of the cornerstones of Italian enology, grouping some of the most prestigious appellations especially in the field of red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. A land of winemaking tradition since ancient times, Piedmont produces great wines on its hills and on the Alpine and pre-Alpine belts. In these places, which differ thanks to the different geographical and climatic characteristics that characterize them, manual labor is predominant and low yields per hectare are pursued, to enhance the quality of the wines that come to life here.
From the refined and sumptuous reds to the round and fragrant whites, to the inviting and pleasant dessert wines, the varied wine heritage of this region makes it an area of extraordinary excellence, appreciated both nationally and internationally.
Piedmontese red wine
The Piedmontese red wine is mainly obtained from native varieties, which see Nebbiolo, father of the great reds such as Barolo and Barbaresco, but also present in less known but equally interesting reds such as Gattinara, Ghemme, Carema and Fara, as well as that of alternative and original bubbles. Among the reds we certainly cannot forget the Barbera, which finds full-bodied and structured red wines in the Alba area (it is said that "baroleggia"), in Asti wines of great longevity and in the Monferrato sparkling and pleasant reds, famous thanks to "La Monella "By Braida. Other very interesting and highly drinkable reds are Grignolino (the “anarchic” wine according to Veronelli), Dolcetto (with territorial variations, from Ovada to Alba passing through Dogliani) and Freisa. Finally, the Ruché del Monferrato, from a native grape saved from extinction, and the rare Verduno Pelaverga are worth trying. Also of historical importance is a last grape, Brachetto, which has always given rise to the sweet and irresistible Brachetto d'Acqui.
Piedmontese white wine
If the most famous Piedmontese white wine is undoubtedly Gavi, obtained from Cortese grapes, there are other equally interesting and particular wines. For example, we cannot fail to mention the Timorasso from the Tortona hills, also suitable for long aging, or the Roero Arneis, the only white in the Langa area. Also interesting are Moscato and Erbaluce di Caluso which give life to both sweet wines and dry white wines as well as sparkling wines. In Piedmont, however, there are also international white grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, used in the precious classic Alta Langa DOCG method, and Riesling, which is able to give wines of great longevity.
What is the finest Piedmontese red wine?
The finest Piedmontese red wine is undoubtedly Barolo, also known as the king of wines and the wine of kings.
How many Piedmont DOC wines are there?
Piedmont has 41 DOC wines with controlled designations of origin and 18 DOCG wines.
How do you pair a robust Piedmontese red wine?
The perfect pairing with a robust Piedmontese red wine is undoubtedly the one with meats, both in the form of stew and roast, and as a sauce with pasta or ravioli.