A blank canvas
Chardonnay is the world's most famous white grape — and the most chameleon-like. On its own it's fairly neutral, so it acts as a blank canvas that shows off climate and winemaking more than any other white.
- Its home is Burgundy (Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet).
- It's one of the three grapes of Champagne.
- It grows successfully almost everywhere wine is made.
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The oak question
Much of Chardonnay's character comes from the cellar: oak ageing adds vanilla, butter and toast; no oak keeps it fresh, citrusy and pure.