Chardonnay

Chardonnay is easily the most familiar and sought after white wine in the world today. It is widely planted in California, France and Australia, and can be found in places as diverse as Argentina and Bulgaria.

Chardonnay is a naturally vigorous vine, relatively easy to grow, and usually requires some combination of canopy management, severe pruning or dense planting to control crop levels. Its major disadvantage is that it leafs out early in the spring, which can make it susceptible to spring frost. In the Fair Play AVA, chardonnay is planted on sloping hillsides, which naturally drain cold air away from the vines and help prevent frost damage.

Winemakers love chardonnay for its ability to be made into a wide range of styles - from rich and buttery to lean and crisp - and for its affinity for new oak barrels.