Chardonnay – a true classic

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Chardonnay can be an elegant sparkling wine or a timeless dry wine, it can boast ripe fruity aromas or buttery mature notes. Thanks to these endless possibilities, Chardonnay has become a classic in the assortment of every true wine lover. Different variations of Chardonnay can be found all over the world, which raises the question as to why this variety is so popular. In this article, we will present some facts about this well-liked wine.

Chardonnay is a variety that suits different wine styles. It is one of the few white varieties that can have either partial or full lactic acid fermentation (LAF), which contributes to a distinctive aroma of the wine. LAF is a process in which lactic bacteria convert wine acid into lactic acid, giving the wine a softer and more rounded buttery taste.

More or less complex?

Chardonnay is commonly produced with the battônage method, which gives the wine more complexity. After fermentation, yeasts coagulate at the bottom of the wine vessel, which creates lees. By carefully mixing lees and wine, we achieve a creamy texture and a more intense flavour.

With or without wood?

The French barriques and the large Slavonian oak barrels allow Chardonnay to develop diverse aromatic profiles. Wine that matures in these barrels is more complex and has a distinctively buttery character with vanilla and caramel notes.
If aged solely in stainless steel vessels, Chardonnay is completely different. It features the typical characteristics of the variety and has a lemon, green apple, and sometimes even pineapple aroma. This style of wine is globally referred to as “naked”. The most popular of the naked Chardonnay wines is the French Chablis.

Wine that speaks to its origin

The character of the wine is greatly influenced by the area in which the grapes are grown or the so-called terroir. Chardonnay has found its second home in Brda, where thanks to the Mediterranean climate, marl soil, protection against frost, sunny conditions, and meticulous cultivation, it can shine in all its beauty.

Avia Chardonnay

What pairs well with Chardonnay?

Chardonnay wines are perfect during warm summer evenings, when enjoyed alongside grilled dishes. This multifaceted variety can be served with a wide selection of dishes; however, it is most commonly paired with white meat. Chardonnay wines matured in oak barrels go well with smoked fish and spicy Asian cuisine, the fresher Chardonnay wines perfectly complement dishes with tomato sauce, while older, softer Chardonnay wines are often served with more “earthy food”, such as mushroom dishes or aged cheese.

When is it best?

Chardonnay is a variety found all over the world, in different variations. Naked Chardonnay, aged in stainless steel vessels, should be consumed quickly, while the more complex Chardonnay wines, matured in barriques, can only improve as they age in the bottle. To find out how long you can store Chardonnay in your cellar, refer to the label or ask your vendor.

Modern Chardonnay

To achieve harmonious and elegant wines, all the cellaring elements need to be balanced against the fruity nature of Chardonnay.
Chardonnay Bagueri retains its bright, elegant, and mainly fruity notes, allowing its varietal characteristics to reflect themselves fully.
In the words of our main oenologist and the author of this wine, Darinko Ribolica, “Chardonnay Bagueri is the result of the optimal wine-growing sites, small crops, and meticulous cultivation, followed by the diligent work in the cellar. We wanted to reflect the wine’s varietal aspect, freshness, and softness. We have reduced the influence of the wooden notes by using the used barriques and large oak barrels. In doing so, we express the richness of the Chardonnay from our carefully selected vineyards to its fullest.”
Those who like fresh Chardonnay wines, that is naked Chardonnay wines, will appreciate Chardonnay Quercus. Be sure to try its 2020 vintage, which was awarded a silver medal at the prestigious international wine competition Chardonnay du monde.

Quick facts

  • Grown on approximately 200,000 ha of vineyards, Chardonnay is the second most common white wine variety worldwide.
  • Chardonnay is cultivated in all wine-growing areas in the world, from the USA to France, Australia, Italy, South Africa, Chile, Bulgaria, Hungary, and China.

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