Did you know that in May each year, there a day dedicated to Chardonnay? Now an international event, Chardonnay Day celebrates all things Chardonnay. And while the event got its start six years ago via social media in California, the history of the Chardonnay varietal starts in the Burgundy wine region.
Some wine wags contend that the Bourgogne wine makers “invented’ the Chardonnay grape, a varietal once called “Beaunois.” To wine connoisseurs, the Chardonnay grape ideally interprets the Bourgogne terroir, producing stunning wines as unique as the climat or lieu-dit from which they derive.
Moreover, many people may not realize that the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais bears the name of the celebrated varietal, and also lends its name to the Mâcon-Chardonnay produced there. Some wine lovers contend that this little village serves as the center of the Chardonnay universe!
Each year, the tourist office of Chardonnay hosts a festive tasting event entitled “Chardonnay, Universel et Confidentiel” on the village square from 6-9 pm. To learn more about joining in the celebration,contact www.bourgogne-wines.com.
L.M. Archer, FWS works as a freelance writer and wine professional. She holds designations in French Wine and Bourgogne Master-Level through the French Wine Society. She is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators, Alliance Française de Seattle, and blogs at www.binnotes.comNote: Alll photos courtesy the author; (C) L.M.Archer
