Grapevine Chardonnay - White Wine Grape, Early Ripening

Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety originating from the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France. The Chardonnay variety is also grown in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovenia, Moldova, Georgia, England, India, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa and others.    In Bulgaria it is zoned and is grown mainly in North-Eastern Bulgaria, the Sredna Gora, the Plovdiv region and the Sungurlare area. The variety has several clonal variations: some of the mutations have a musky tone and are called "Chardonnay Musqué", while the mutation "Chardonnay Rosé" has pink-coloured berries.    An early variety: the grapes ripen at the end of August. It has moderately vigorous growth, high fertility and gives medium yields. Deeper, rich calcareous soils at the foot of hills suit it. It also gives excellent results in cooler areas.   Relatively resistant to cold and drought. It is sensitive to rot. The bunch is small (90-95 g), cylindrical-conical, sometimes with a wing, loose to moderately dense and compact. The berries are small, spherical, yellow-green with a golden tinge on the sunny side, covered with a waxy bloom and tiny brownish dots. The flesh is juicy, with a harmonious flavour. The skin is thin, tough. Chardonnay is the most popular white wine grape variety in the world.   The sugar content of the grape juice is 18—22.9 g/100 ml, with acids of 11.6— 8.2 g/l. Its name is associated with some of the most prestigious French white varietal wines originating from Burgundy (Chablis, Côte de Beaune and Mâconnais) and with sparkling Champagne wines. Chardonnay is used to make Champagne base wines and high-quality white table wines distinguished by lightness, freshness, a harmonious flavour and fruity aromas.   Ageing in oak barrels gives the wine notes of vanilla, smoke and oak. It is used as an improving variety in the making of Champagne wines.   The best-known brands of Champagne in France are made from a blend of the varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.