| Although the Chardonnay grape has its origins in | | | | prized for their versatility. Depending on how the |
| France, the Chardonnays of California have carved | | | | wine is fermented, different flavors can be brought |
| out a niche of their own on the world scene. | | | | out in the final product. The original vineyards in |
| Some of the most popular vino in the world is the | | | | France that produced Chardonnay tended to produce |
| white. These crisp, fruity vintages are refreshing - | | | | a soft tasting variety with fruity and flowery notes. |
| usually served chilled, and pair well with a number of | | | | They shunned the idea of aging it in oak barrels, |
| different foods. In the United States, Chardonnay is a | | | | preferring to have theirs taste cleaner and pure. |
| particularly popular selection. Its light taste and subtle | | | | They also do not produce Chardonnay by the |
| qualities are valued among many wine lovers. The | | | | process of malolactic fermentation. As a result, |
| Chardonnays of California are valued highly among | | | | French Chardonnay is more acidic. |
| wine drinkers in the US, and the many different | | | | In the US, however, and specifically in California, |
| vineyards that produce this wine all bottle unique | | | | Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, with the oak for |
| wines. | | | | these barrels coming from either in the US or France. |
| Chardonnay is named for the village Chardonnay in | | | | It is this oak aging that sets the vintage apart as |
| France, and it is produced from a green-skinned | | | | many drinkers prefer the aroma and flavor produced. |
| grape that is believed to have first been bred there. | | | | California vineyards also use malolactic fermentation, |
| It is bottled in several different countries throughout | | | | which helps to produce a different flavor. US |
| the world including France, Italy, Australia and the | | | | Chardonnay wines tend to have a different set of |
| United States. It is the eight most commonly planted | | | | background notes than the French versions; these |
| variety of grape in the world, and it's the most | | | | include a smoky taste and a caramel or vanilla flavor. |
| popular vintage in Australia and New Zealand. In 2001, | | | | Chardonnays of California are an excellent bet for a |
| there were over 140,000 hectares of land | | | | clean tasting, crisp white. They pair well with seafood |
| throughout the world that were planted with the | | | | and other light tasting dishes, but it is also great |
| grapevines that produce the Chardonnay variety of | | | | when it is sipped on its own. Not as interesting as |
| grape. | | | | some whites, Chardonnay tends to appeal to a wider |
| The Chardonnays of California, like the Chardonnays | | | | range of people than many other varieties. |
| that are produced in much of the world, are highly | | | | |