White wine grape variety grown in Apulia

Chardonnay b.

A variety of important national and international distribution, also widespread in Apulia, where it is listed among the varieties to be cultivated throughout its territory.

Origin and Historical Outline

Wine grape variety of important national and international diffusion, well present also in Apulia. Originally from France, it was initially confused with Pinot Blanc, from which it was distinguished by the name of yellow Pinot. In a research (Bowers J. et al., 1999) conducted on over 300 vine varieties, characterizing as many as 32 micro satellite loci, it emerged that as many as 16 wine grape varieties cultivated for a long time in the north-east of France, including Chardonnay, have common origin from only two parents: Pinot and Gouais blanc.

Synonyms

Pinot-Chardonnay, Pinot giallo, Pinot blanc Chardonnay.

Shoot tip: half open, bronze yellow, with a medium density of prostrate hairs on the tip, slightly curved.

Leaf: medium size, circular, almost filling, slightly bullate blade, flat profile, deep green colour, almost lacking tomentum. Open U-shaped petiole sinus, with veins delimiting the bottom of the petiole attachment point and the beginning of the two lobes.

Bunch: low or medium-low weight, pyramidshaped, often with one more prominent wing, more or less dense.

Berry: low weight, spherical, golden-yellow colour, medium-thick, soft, pruinose skin. This variety’s population includes biotypes with a more or less muscat-like terpene aroma and others with an almost neutral taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: early

Flowering time: early

Veraison: early

Ripening: early

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: medium-high

Average bunch weight: 220 g (min 130 g – max 290 g)

Average berry weight: 1.5 g (min 1.2 g – max 1.7 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 1 3

Average rachis weight: 11 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 3

Potential fertility: 1.9

Actual fertility: 1.6

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

The production is quite regular thanks to this vine’s excellent adaptability. In any case, it provides excellent results in hilly regions, on clayey-calcareous soils, in a temperate-warm climate, a fresh and airy environment.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 11 – 14.5 % by vol.

pH: 3.1 – 3.5

Total acidity: 5 – 9 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The well-cared vinification especially as a single variety of Chardonnay b. grapes results in wine of high quality. It can be used in blends with other wine grapes for the production of excellent wines, increasing the level of quality. In Apulia, the Chardonnay b. vine is used for the production of the QWpsr Castel del Monte, Salice Salentino, Lizzano and Galatina.

The Chardonnay b. is used to produce wine of a pale straw yellow colour, a fruity aroma with a distinct hint of apple; a fine and elegant taste. It is also suitable for vinification in barriques

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Chardonnay b. vine is one of the most widespread vines in the world. It is practically present throughout Italy and has been the subject of particular interest in Apulia, where it has become quite widespread and is registered among the varieties suitable for cultivation throughout its territory.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Chardonnay b., revised and updated, is extracted from: Antonacci Donato (2006). Viti di Puglia, Adda publisher. Its use is granted by the author citing the source.