Uncork the secrets of Chardonnay! This course delves into its history, viticulture, and diverse winemaking techniques, including oak and malolactic fermentation. Discover the spectrum of styles from crisp Chablis to rich Australian expressions like Margaret River and Yarra Valley. Learn professional tasting methods, ideal food pairings, storage tips, and Australian pricing. Enhance your appreciation for this versatile grape.
- What to Drink with What You Eat, Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page
- A taste of the World of Wine, Patrick Iland, Peter Gago, Andrew Caillard and Peter Dry
- Introduction to Chardonnay: Brief history and global prevalence of Chardonnay; Why Chardonnay is often called the "winemaker's grape."; Overview of the two main styles: unoaked vs. oaked.
- Chardonnay Characteristics and Viticulture: Exploring the inherent characteristics of the Chardonnay grape; Impact of climate (cool vs. warm) on Chardonnay's flavour profile (e.g., green apple/citrus vs. tropical fruit); Ease of growing and adaptability of Chardonnay to various terroirs; Key viticultural considerations for quality Chardonnay production
- Winemaking Techniques and Styles: Detailed explanation of general white winemaking techniques relevant to Chardonnay; Fermentation in stainless steel vs. oak barrels; Malolactic fermentation (MLF) and its impact on flavour (buttery notes); Lees stirring (Bâtonnage) and its effect on texture and complexity; Influence of oak (new vs. old, type of oak, toast level).
- Exploring diverse Chardonnay styles: Australian Chardonnay vs. Chablis (France)
- Food Pairing with Chardonnay
- Storage Requirements and General Pricing
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Identify and articulate the key characteristics of the Chardonnay grape.
- Understand how different winemaking techniques (e.g., oak aging, malolactic fermentation) influence Chardonnay's style and flavour profile.
- Distinguish between the classic styles of Chablis (France) and various Australian Chardonnays, including their historical evolution and modern expressions.
- Confidently apply basic wine tasting principles to assess and describe Chardonnay wines.
- Suggest appropriate food pairings for different styles of Chardonnay.
- Understand the optimal storage requirements for Chardonnay and its cellaring potential.
- Have a general awareness of pricing categories for Chardonnay in the Australian market.
- Develop a more discerning palate and a deeper appreciation for the versatility and complexity of Chardonnay.
- Feel more confident when selecting, purchasing, and discussing Chardonnay wines.
