Chardonnay

Name derived from the village of Chardonnay near Uchizy in the Maconnais, Southern Burgundy, Chardonnay grape variety is known to be originated from the village of  La Roche-Vineuse (formerly Saint-Sorlin) in the Saone-et-Loire and a cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc. It belongs to the ampelographic group called Noirien. Chardonnay is also known to be the parent of different grape varieties in France (Liliorila, Ravat Blanc, Chasan), United States (Chardonel), Switzerland Charmont and Doral), Serbia (Sila) and Ukraine (Sukholimansky Bely).

Chardonnay is best with soils dominated by limestones or calcareous clay that are not too dry, it has an early budding and ripening characteristics and known to be the most versatile white wine grape as the taste and aromas depend on the place where it's grown or the process and style applied to it. Chardonnay is France's second most planted white variety following Ugni with strongholds in Burgundy, Languedoc-Roussillon and Champagne.

Source: Wine Grapes 

A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavors

Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and Jose Vouillamouz

Published by the Penguin Group