シャルドネ｜Chardonnay

Like many other ancient grape varieties, Chardonnay stems from the Middle East.

As viticulture spread, the variety found a new home in France, particularly in Burgundy. Chardonnay is one of the most popular grape varieties in the world. The cultivation of Chardonnay has been officially permitted in Germany since 1991 and currently there is just over 2.222 ha planted,  2,1 % of Germany's total vineyard area.

Chardonany is mainly grown in the Palatinate with 786 hectares (2019) and in Rheinhessen with 827 hectares (2019). It is also planted with good and best results in areas with a traditionally high proportion of Burgundians, such as in the Kaiserstuhl region in Baden (273 hectares in 2019) or in the Southern Wine Route region in the Palatinate.

A wide range of aromas are typical for Chardonnay, e.g. melons, exotic fruits, overripe gooseberries or slightly underripe apples. Higher qualities are usually rich in alcohol and extract. They are wines of substance, with a long finish, and often vinified in Barrique casks.

Rosa Chardonnay

In February 2020, the Rosa Chardonnay grape variety was approved by the Federal Plant Variety Office and thus for the production of quality wines. According to information from the Hochschule Geisenheim University (breeders of the grape variety), Rosa Chardonnay is characterized by a higher resistance to rot than classic Chardonnay.

In terms of taste and color, the wines of Rosa Chardonnay are comparable to those of  Chardonnay, and can be described as full-bodied and complex. In Rhineland-Pfalz, the variety has been grown on around 6 hectares. (As of March 2020)