General information about the Chardonnay vine variety :

Chardonnay is a cosmopolitan grape variety. It is not dependent on the temperate conditions of its Burgundian homeland, but is grown worldwide in all climate zones. In terms of origin, Chardonnay is often attributed to Burgundy, which is geographically correct. The wines from the chalky soils of the Burgundian villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chablis, as well as its share in the Champagne cuvées, have contributed to its worldwide fame. Genotypically, however, according to DNA analyses, it is the result of a natural cross between Pinot and Gouais Blanc (Heunisch).

Grape :

The grapes of the Chardonnay vine are typically cylindrical in structure, often supplemented with one or two shoulders. The predominantly round berries have a thin skin and are greenish-yellow in color. As the berries ripen, the skin turns golden yellow to amber. The variety has an upright, medium to strong growth, is well-ripened, and is sufficiently winter-hardy.

Wine :

Chardonnay is excellent for barrel aging. The aromas of honeydew melon, apricot and ripe pineapple are pronounced in primarily fruity wines. Barrel aging adds vanilla, dried fruit, toast and caramel to this spectrum of aromas, creating full, layered wines.

Cultivation recommendation :

In terms of location and exposure, Chardonnay is demanding. Warm but well-ventilated places help with ripening and reduce mold pressure. Chardonnay is latently susceptible to mildew.

Preparation: Place your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This will ensure that the vine is well-watered before you plant it out, increasing the chances of successful growth.

Soil Preparation: Depending on the type of soil in your garden, you can improve the soil to create optimal growing conditions:

• Lime soil: Add lava grit to improve the soil.
• Sandy soil: Use a combination of bentonite and lava flour to improve the structure and nutritional value of the soil.

Planting out a grapevine:

1. Use a ground auger or spade to make a hole about 10 cm in diameter and about 30 cm deep.
2. Plant the vine in the hole, making sure the graft is just above the ground. The vine itself should be between 5 and 10 cm above the ground.
3. The best time to plant your vines is between May 1st and May 15th. Make sure to keep a distance of 1 meter between the individual plants and a distance of 1.5 to 1.8 meters between the rows.