Chardonnay is a white grape variety native to Burgundy, probably resulting from a spontaneous cross between Pinot and Gouais blanc, as confirmed by genetic studies. In Italy, it was long confused with Pinot Bianco, from which it is distinct, and was officially recognised as a separate variety in 1978. It has medium-sized leaves, generally circular, entire or three-lobed, with an open petiole sinus and lightly pigmented veins. The bunch is medium-sized, conical, compact or very compact, sometimes with slightly pronounced wings; the berries are small or medium-sized, ellipsoidal in shape, with a thin, tender and pruinose skin, green-yellow in colour, tending towards gold as they ripen. It is now widespread across all the world’s major wine-growing regions. In Italy, it produces particularly interesting wines in the Alpine and sub-Alpine regions, from Piedmont to the Aosta Valley, from Trentino-Alto Adige to Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, as well as in Lombardy and numerous hilly and coastal areas. The wine is characterised by its straw-yellow colour, sometimes with golden hues, and by aromas of citrus, apple, pear, white flowers and tropical fruit. It has good freshness, a versatile structure and remarkable ageing potential; ageing in oak can enrich it with hints of vanilla, toast and butter. It is also one of the key grape varieties used in great classic-method sparkling wines.
