Chardonnay Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety, Planting and Care

If you ask someone unfamiliar with grapes to name any grape variety from memory, they'll probably name Chardonnay. This variety has gained worldwide popularity, is known in all developed countries, and is still actively used for cultivation there.

Chardonnay is most often grown on an industrial scale in entire plantations, as it is unpretentious in care and versatile in its intended purpose.

Characteristics and description

The exact date and region of origin of Chardonnay remain unknown. Winemakers speculate that the variety is a Western European species. Another theory holds that the grape was created by crossing two varieties: Gouais Blanc and Pyrot Noir. Initially, the variety was bred as a technical grape and was intended to be used only for processing.

The berries are green-white, round, and covered with a thin layer of wax. In the sun, this coating takes on a golden hue, giving them an appetizing appearance. Each berry is up to 20 mm long and 12 mm wide. Their weight ranges from 12 to 15 g. The flavor is sweet and sour with a vibrant fruity aroma. Sugar content is 15-18 g, and acidity is 8-12 g. Chardonnay has a complex aroma, intertwining notes of lemon, pineapple, nut, and melon. The hollow pulp contains 2-3 seeds. The skin is firm but thin.

In terms of ripening time, Chardonnay is considered a mid-early variety. From bud swelling to planting, a minimum of 135-140 days pass. Ripening in southern regions occurs in late August or September. Young shoots ripen well, but the grape yield is low. Of the total number of shoots, only one-third, or no more than half, bear fruit. With proper cultivation techniques, yields of 8-12 tons of berries can be achieved per hectare of land. Chardonnay is primarily used for winemaking. It is produced both at home and in large-scale production. In addition to wine, it is used to make champagne. The variety is also suitable for fresh consumption. Grape can be used to make compotes, jam, and preserves.

Chardonnay grapes range from medium-sized to vigorous. Vigorous shoots reach heights of over 5 meters. The leaves on the shoots are serrated and bright green. There is no pubescence. Pollination occurs independently, as the variety is hermaphroditic. The clusters are heavy, weighing 1 kg each. When overripe, the berries fall to the ground. Staking to a trellis is essential.

The variety is especially widespread along the mild climate of the Black Sea coast and in other southern regions. Chardonnay can also be planted in the Moscow region, but shelter is recommended. It may not be suitable for Siberia and the Urals. Its frost resistance is low, and the grapes die at temperatures below -20°C. The plant's immunity is average. It is sometimes susceptible to mildew and oidium. In high humidity, the berries rot.

The variety combines both positive aspects and minor disadvantages.

Advantages:

• excellent quality raw materials for winemaking;
• drought resistance;
• does not require pollinators;
• reproduces well.

Flaws:

• poor resistance to rot;
• berries are prone to cracking;
• low yield.

Landing

The soil is prepared in advance. Add limestone (1-2 cups per square meter) and compost (1 bucket per square meter). Dig all ingredients into the soil and leave for two weeks. Before planting, water the soil thoroughly. Bordeaux mixture (2-3% solution) or copper sulfate (3% solution) can be used – these products effectively combat pathogens and protect the plant from possible infection.

For landings Dig a hole almost a meter deep for the seedling. Fill the hole with a bucket of crushed stone and a bucket of compost. Place the seedling in the compost and cover with the remaining soil. The root collar should remain above the soil surface. Immediately after planting, tie the seedling up and water it with 2-3 buckets of water. After the water has soaked in, apply a layer of mulch—hay, straw, or sawdust—to the damp soil.

Care

Once a week or every two weeks, loosen the soil around the plant. This is necessary to improve air circulation in the root system. Use a hoe or hand to loosen the soil. This procedure must be carried out with extreme caution to avoid damaging the young trunk. It's especially good to loosen damp soil, as this allows it to absorb water and oxygen more quickly.

Chardonnay does not tolerate frequent watering. It's best not to water the grapes more than once every 3-4 weeks. During flowering and fruiting, watering should be avoided altogether to avoid spoiling the flavor of the fruit. The water should be slightly warm. You can place a bucket of water in the sun for a couple of hours to warm it up thoroughly. Watering should be done in the morning, before midday. Evening watering is dangerous because the moisture doesn't have time to evaporate overnight, leading to rot.

Shelter for the winter

For southern regions, Chardonnay can be grown uncovered. For other regions, the soil is mulched with straw in late autumn, the shoots are bent to the ground, and spruce branches are laid on top. Film or agrofibre is stretched over the branches, and the material is pressed down on all sides. Leave it in this state. grape for the winter. Starting in mid-April, the shelter is dismantled.

Reviews

Most winegrowers agree on one thing: the variety rightfully deserves high praise, even with its shortcomings.

Yulia from Sochi

"I have about 12 Chardonnay grapevines growing on my plot. They turned four this year. The berries are edible, but they're a bit astringent. I'm growing them for homemade wine. I've tried mixing them with other varieties, but I liked the Chardonnay-only variety better. Next year, I want to try taking a couple of cuttings from the main vine and propagate my vineyard."

Evgeniya

"My grapevines grow on a hill in a well-lit area. They bear fruit abundantly, with a normal yield. When pruning, I leave 10-12 buds, and the clusters then form vigorously. I used superphosphate as a fertilizer after flowering (1 tablespoon per 10 liters); I thought the berries became sweeter afterward."