Chardonnay

Chardonnay B

Name of the variety in France Name under which the variety is officially registered in the catalogue of grapevine varieties in France and under which it may be propagated and disseminated.

Name under which the variety is officially registered in the catalogue of grapevine varieties in France and under which it may be propagated and disseminated.

Chardonnay

Origin

This variety is originally from Bourgogne (Burgundy) and based on published genetic analyses, would result from the crossbreeding of Pinot and Gouais blanc.

Synonyms

Recognised alternative names that may be used to identify the propagation material of the variety in France or in other member countries of the European Union.

There is no officially recognized synonym in France nor in the other countries of the European Union, for this variety.

Legal information This information indicates on which list the variety is registered (A or B), whether it is classified for wine grapes, and in which member countries of the European Union the variety is also officially registered (for more information, see the <a href="/en/reglementation">"Legislation"</a>menu).

This information indicates on which list the variety is registered (A or B), whether it is classified for wine grapes, and in which member countries of the European Union the variety is also officially registered (for more information, see the <a href="/en/reglementation">"Legislation"</a>menu).

In France, Chardonnay is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" on the A list and classified. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Use

This information indicates the normal and statutory use for the grapes.

Wine grape variety.

Evolution of cultivated areas in France

The figures provided are taken from vineyard land registers (IVCC, ONIVIT, ONIVINS), general agricultural censuses (SCEES-INSEE) and the current computerised vineyard register (DGDDI, FAM).<br>
Regional vine planting data is available on the following site: <a href="https://visionet.franceagrimer.fr/Pages/DonneesInteractivesDocs.aspx?sousmenu=observatoire%20de%20la%20viticulture" target="">visionet</a>.

	1958	1968	1979	1988	1998	2008	2018
ha	7325	9805	13042	19869	33070	42017	54993

Descriptive elements

<p>Only the principal ampelographic elements enabling the varieties to be characterised and identified are provided. They are presented according to the descriptor code recognised by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the Community Plant Variety Office (OCVV) and Bioversity International (for more information, see the <a href="/en/vocabulaire">"Ampelographic glossary"</a> menu).<br>
The photographs of leaves and grapes were taken in natural conditions, on the vine, in very similar situations in terms of growing conditions (sandy soil, Mediterranean coast):</p>
<ul>
<li>Domaine de l'Espiguette (IFV), Le Grau du Roi (Gard),</li>
<li>Domaine de Vassal (INRAE), Marseillan (Hérault),</li>
<li>La Gaillarde Campus (Institut Agro | Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier (Hérault).</li>
</ul>
<p>Only a few photographs, including the tips of bunches, were taken in other conditions.</p>

The identification is based on:
- the tip of the young shoot with a low to medium density of prostrate hairs,
- the green young leaves with bronze spots,
- the shoots with red internodes,
- the circular adult leaves, entire or with five lobes, with a slightly open petiole sinus, often naked petiole veins, short teeth compared to their width with straight sides, a slightly blistered leaf blade, and on the lower side of the leaves, a low density of erect hairs,
- the round-shaped berries.

Genetic profile

Microsatellite	VVS2	VVMD5	VVMD7	VVMD27	VRZAG62	VRZAG79	VVMD25	VVMD28	VVMD32
Allel 1	135	232	239	178	188	244	238	216	239
Allel 2	141	236	243	186	196	246	254	227	271

Phenology

<p>The growth stages indicated are the result of obsrvations made at the Domaine de Vassal Estate where the set of these varieties form a collection. The results are indicated compared to the Chasselas vine variety as a reference in order to make comparisons between years and different sites. As such, for information purposes, the dates for the Chasselas B growth stage at Domaine de Vassal are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bud burst, 21 March (average over 50 years)</li>
<li>Grape maturity, 14 August (average over 50 years)</li>
</ul>

Bud burst: 1 day before Chasselas.
Grape maturity: early-season, 1 week and a half after Chasselas.

Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production The data on suitability are the result of field observations or, if none are available, of bibliography mining and the study of bibliographic references.

The data on suitability are the result of field observations or, if none are available, of bibliography mining and the study of bibliographic references.

Chardonnay is generally pruned long. However, in areas with favorable climatic conditions for floral initiation, vines may also be pruned short. This variety is suited to moderately fertile soils with dominant limestone or marly. In Mediterranean areas, intense drought situations are to be avoided.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests These remarks are also the result of field observations or, if none are available, of bibliography mining and study of bibliographic references.

These remarks are also the result of field observations or, if none are available, of bibliography mining and study of bibliographic references.

Chardonnay is susceptible to powdery mildew and strongly express grapevine yellows. At the end of its maturation and under strong vigor conditions, grey rot may cause significant damage.

Technological potentiality

<p>The size of grape clusters and berries indicated are based on the following scales:</p>
<table id="potentiel">
<thead>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td colspan="2">Wine grape varieties</td>
<td colspan="2">Table grape varieties</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Size</td>
<td>Bunch (g)</td>
<td>Berry (g)</td>
<td>Bunch (g)</td>
<td>Berry (g)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Very small</td>
<td>≤ 100</td>
<td>< 1</td>
<td>< 150</td>
<td>< 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Small</td>
<td>100 - 200</td>
<td>1,5 - 2</td>
<td>150 - 250</td>
<td>2 - 3,5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moderate</td>
<td>200 - 250</td>
<td>2 - 2,5</td>
<td>250 - 400</td>
<td>3,5 - 5,5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large</td>
<td>250 - 400</td>
<td>2,5 - 3,5</td>
<td>400 - 700</td>
<td>5,5 - 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Very large</td>
<td>> 400</td>
<td>> 3,5</td>
<td>> 700</td>
<td>> 8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Remarks concerning the characteristics of the wines are generally based on tastings organised by juries of professionals.</p>

The bunches and berries are small. This variety has an extermely high quality potential and is used to produce dry white wines, sparkling wines and even liqueur wines. The sugar content of the berries can reach high levels while maintaining high acidity. This is what enables the production of particularly well balanced, powerful and ample wines (full-bodied and with volume). The typical aromas are complex and intense (dried fruit, hazel nut, grilled flavor, exotic fruit, butter, etc). Chardonnay is also suited to barrel fermentation and barrel ageing.

Clonal selection in France In this section, the list of certified clones is given. Information on clone conservatories is also provided.

The thirty-one certified Chardonnay clones carry the numbers 75, 76, 77, 78, 95, 96, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 122, 124, 125, 128, 130, 131, 132, 277, 352, 414, 415, 548, 549, 809, 1066, 1067, 1068, 1145, 1146 and 1147. A conservatory of more than 340 clones was planted in 1994 in the French department of Saône-et-Loire. An other conservatory of 53 clones was planted in the French department of Champagne in 2015.

Bibliographic references The main bibliographical sources are provided.

- Catalogue des variétés et clones de vigne cultivés en France. Collectif, 2007, Ed. IFV, Le Grau-du-Roi, France.
- Documentary collections of the Centre de Ressources Biologiques de la Vigne de Vassal-Montpellier, INRAE - Institut Agro | Montpellier, Marseillan, France.
- Dictionnaire encyclopédique des cépages et de leurs synonymes. P. Galet, 2015, Ed. Libre&Solidaire, France.
- Traité général de viticulture, Ampélographie. P. Viala and V. Vermorel, 1901-1909, Ed. Masson, Paris, France.

Description of clones certified in France In this section, the list of certified clones is given. Information on clone conservatories is also provided.

		Identity and availability					Agronomic data						Technological data						Autres informations
Clone no.	Marque	Origin	Selection	Year of certification	Agronomic references	Surface area used for propagation (year)	Fertility	Production level	Bunch weight	Vigor	Berry size	Susceptibility to grey rot	Sugar level	Color potential	Titrable acidity	Tannic structure	Aromatic intensity	Oenological suitability	New	General note	Agro-tecnic note	Note agronomique	Agronomic note	Links
75		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1971	Burgundy Champagne Languedoc	4.10 ha	medium	medium to high	medium				low to medium					balanced but neutral wines, diluted due to overproduction		uneven vigor and production according to regions. Manage the production for its use as still wines. It can also be used to produce sparkling wines.
76		Saône-et-Loire	ENTAV	1971	Burgundy Champagne Languedoc Loire-Valley	16.18 ha	medium	medium	low to medium	medium	low to medium		medium to high		medium			fine, aromatic, balanced, typical wines		clone appreciated for its regularity of production, its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained. It can also be used to produce sparkling wines.
77		Saône-et-Loire	ENTAV	1971																	Clone not widely distributed.
78		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1971	Burgundy Champagne Loire-Valley	4.44 ha	medium to high	high	medium				low					not very expressive as a still wine		productive clone, suitable for the production of sparkling wines
95		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1971	Burgundy Champagne Languedoc	12.59 ha	medium	medium	low to medium	medium to high	low to medium		medium to high		low to medium			fine aromas, a rich and balanced structure		clone appreciated for its regularity of production, its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained. It can also be used to produce sparkling wines.
96		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1971	Burgundy Champagne Languedoc Loire-Valley	28.30 ha	medium	medium to high	high	high	medium		medium to high		medium to high			lively wines		steady production, manage production for the production of still wines. It can also be used to make sparkling wines.
116		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1971																	Clone not widely distributed.
117		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1971																	Clone not widely distributed.
118		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Champagne	2.19 ha	high	high	medium				medium					representative wines of the variety		clone suitable for the production of sparkling wines
119		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy	0.94 ha	medium to high	medium to high	medium				low to medium					representative wines of the variety
121		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Champagne	3.42 ha	medium	medium	medium to high	medium	medium		medium		medium			aromatic, fine, typical and balanced wines		clone appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained. It can also be used to produce sparkling wines.
122		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Languedoc	0.56 ha	medium	medium to high	high				medium					representative wines of the variety		clone suitable for the production of sparkling wines
124		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Champagne	5.82 ha	high	high	medium to high	medium to high			low to medium		medium			lively wines		manage the production for its use in still wines. It can also be used to make sparkling wines.
125		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy		high	high	medium				medium					representative wines of the variety
128		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy	0.42 ha	medium to high	medium to high	medium to high				medium to high					representative wines of the variety
130		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Champagne Languedoc	4.09 ha	medium to high	medium to high	medium				medium					representative wines of the variety		clone suitable for the production of sparkling wines
131		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Champagne	4.02 ha	medium	medium to high	medium to high	medium	low to medium		medium to high		medium			lively wines		manage the production for its use in still wines. It can also be used to make sparkling wines.
132		Côte-d'Or	INRA	1971	Burgundy Champagne	3.34 ha	high	high	high				low to medium					representative wines of the variety		clone suitable for the production of sparkling wines
277		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1973	Burgundy Loire-Valley	9.21 ha	high	medium to high	medium to high	medium to high	low to medium		medium		medium			balanced wines with mineral aromas		irregular vigor and production that must be managed in order to obtain sufficient quality.
352		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1975																	Clone not widely distributed.
414		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1976																	Clone not widely distributed.
415		Côte-d'Or	ENTAV	1976																	Clone not widely distributed.
548		Saône-et-Loire	ENTAV	1978	Burgundy	6.06 ha	medium	low	low	medium	medium		high		medium to high			concentrated, balanced wines with complex aromas		earlier clone, appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained.
549		Non précisée	ENTAV	1978	Burgundy	0.10 ha	medium	medium	low to medium				medium					representative wines of the variety
809		Saône-et-Loire	ENTAV	1985	Burgundy	1.98 ha	medium	low to medium	low	medium	low to medium		high		high			muscaté, fine and balanced wines		clone appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained. To be used with care according to the muscat character desired.
1066		Côte-d'Or	ATVB - ENTAV	2003	Burgundy		low to medium	very low	very low		low to medium		high		low to medium			fine, typical, aromatic and well-structured wines		small bunches with a lot of millerandage. Earlier clone, appreciated for its low production level, its higher sugar content and the quality of the wines obtained. To be used in blending and for high added value productions because of its low yield.
1067		Côte-d'Or	ATVB - ENTAV	2003	Burgundy		low	low	low to medium		medium		high		medium			concentrated and balanced wines with complex aromas		earlier clone, appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained.
1068		Côte-d'Or	ATVB - ENTAV	2003	Burgundy		low to medium	low to medium	low to medium		medium		high		medium			muscaté aromas (more subtle following MLF), fine, a balanced structure		clone appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained
1145		Saône-et-Loire	CA71 - IFV	2010	Burgundy		medium	low to medium	low to medium		low to medium	medium	high		low		medium to high	balanced wines with pronounced muscaté aromas				Clone appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained.
1146		Saône-et-Loire	CA71 - IFV	2010	Burgundy		medium to high	low	low		low	medium	high		low to medium		high	balanced wines with pronounced muscaté aromas				Moderate level of production and wines appreciated for their organoleptic characteristics. A little susceptible to millerandage.
1147		Saône-et-Loire	CA71 - IFV	2010	Burgundy		medium	low to medium	low to medium		low to medium	low to medium	high		medium		medium	concentrated and well-balanced wines				Clone appreciated for its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained. A little susceptible to millerandage.

Note

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Catalogue of grapevines cultivated in France