Chardonnay

A natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc, Chardonnay probably originated in Saône-et-Loire (F), where it was recorded at the end of the 17th century. In fact, its ancestry means it is a full-sibling of Gamay, Aligoté, Melon and other less well known varieties, so it's easy to understand how for a long time it was confused with Aligoté and Pinot Blanc. Its name comes from the village of Chardonnay near Mâcon (Burgundy). An early variety which is prone to disease, it needs a well-exposed chalky soil that is not too dry. In Switzerland, it produces wines with highly variable aromas depending on the terroir and the winemaking process, from lime to vanilla butter.