Warm-Climate Chardonnay
Definition - What does Warm-Climate Chardonnay mean?
Originating in the New World, warm-climate chardonnay is a bold, luscious wine that is full bodied with an occasional hint of fruitiness. These wines are typically made with a low acidity and most commonly are grown in Australia, California and South America. Warm-climate chardonnay grapes are very ripe when picked and the warm climate creates a rich, flavored wine that has a high alcohol content.
WineFrog explains Warm-Climate Chardonnay
The differing warm climate regions produce different flavors of chardonnay, some influences include exposure to ocean winds or coastlines, soil types and overall temperature. Warm climates like Australia and California create a soft, fleshy chardonnay with low acidity, high alcohol content and tropical flavors. There are differing styles of warm climate chardonnays, like those from New Zealand may have a citrus flavored minerality whereas wines from Chili can include more fruit flavors. The taste is a result of the grape ripening characteristics as the process is fast which produces a buttery, tropical flavor with each warm climate region varying on what fruit accents accompany the wine.
