Chardonnay

It is believed to be named after the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais[?] region of France, and it is possible that the variety was first bred there. DNA fingerprinting research at the University of California, Davis suggests that Chardonnay has originated as a cross between Pinot[?] and the Croatian Gouais Blanc[?] grape varieties. Gouais Blanc is not popular in its own right and is almost extinct.

Chardonnay is also known by the names Aubaine, Beaunois, Melon Blanc, and, historically Pinot[?] Chardonnay.

In 2001, Chardonnay stood 8th-ranked in global planting of grape varieties by area, with an estimated 140,000 hectares, mostly in the United States of America, France, Australia and Italy.

In Australia and New Zealand, Chardonnay varietal wines are among the most popular white wines.

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