Vitis vinifera Chardonnay - Grape vine

The 'Chardonnay' vine is a fairly vigorous and highly productive variety. It produces medium-sized compact clusters. The berries are spherical, with thin skin, which makes them prone to bursting, amber yellow in the sun. Harvest takes place in late September, early October. The 'Chardonnay' vine is moderately susceptible to diseases. Be careful of frost during flowering.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago. Its introduction to France for cultivation was done by the Romans. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The Chardonnay vine is an ancient variety widely cultivated in Champagne and Burgundy. In Chablis, it is the only grape variety grown. It is the result of a cross-breeding: 'Gouais' x 'Pinot'.

A vigorous sarmentous shrub, the 'Chardonnay' vine can reach up to 5 m (16ft). Its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. It is indifferent to soil type, not very demanding, and even prefers dry and rocky soil. The vine clings to its support (trellis, espalier) thanks to its large green tendrils and enjoys sunny situations. Its foliage, deeply cut, is a deep green in summer and turns to a beautiful gold in autumn. Its flowering in clusters occurs in May, offering tiny white-pink flowers. Its grapes, in medium-sized clusters, ripen in late September, depending on the region. The berries are spherical, with thin skin, which makes them prone to bursting, amber yellow in the sun. Chardonnay produces wines with great finesse, well-balanced, powerful, ample, with a strong aromatic potential.

Grapes can be consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, after vinification, as wine.