Chardonnay

this variety is quite homogeneous, although with substantial differences related to productivity and organoleptic properties of the grape. The bud has a yellowish-green expanded apex, which is slightly tomentose. The medium-sized, roundish leaf is almost whole, with a slightly bulbous upper surface and a dark green color. It is sparsely tomentose. The U-shaped petiolar sinus has open ribs delimiting the bottom at the petiolar point. The medium-sized cluster, fairly compact, has a truncated cone shape and an evident wing. The berry is medium-sized, and golden-yellow. The skin is of medium thickness.

this vigorous variety, gifted with solid shoots with a short internode and an upright growth habit, is generally balanced. It is adaptable to various soil types and climates, provided they are not too humid. Cultivation in overly dry areas should be avoided.

suitable to different forms of training, even to completely mechanised ones, and to different planting layouts, provided they are not too tight. It can be pruned short in the south or medium-to-long in northern areas, to ensure a balanced bud load across the plant. In more humid northerly climate, an adequate green pruning is necessary, in order to get a regular ripening of the grapes and to avoid the onset of botrytis and sour rot.

average, although in humid years and in northern areas it is slightly more susceptible to botrytis. Susceptible to phytoplasma diseases of the vine. Extremely resistant to chlorosis and highly susceptible to late frosts. In specific climate conditions, incompatibility with 3309cC and Gravesac may be observed.

it produces a wine with a typically varietal flavour, straw-yellow in colour, with golden reflections and delicate scents. Full-bodied, pleasantly acidic and with a good alcohol content. Excellent as a sparkling wine base. When vinified as a white wine, it takes on a straw-yellow colour. Its usage in blending brings interesting improvements of other wines which are typically neutral.

Chardonnay R8, VCR4, VCR6, VCR10, VCR11, VCR179, VCR399, VCR434,VCR481, VCR484, ISV1, ISV4, ISV5, SMA108, SMA123, SMA127, SMA130, ISMA105, STWA95-350, STWA95-355; cloni francesi: Inra-Entav 75, 76, 78, 95, 96, 117, 121, 132, 277, 548, 809.