As we move closer to Taste like the Pros here are some information on the most popular grape varietal in the U.S. and the most underappreciated one.  Here is a bit more information on each and what to expect when you see that grape on the label.  
Chardonnay
Origin: Burgundy, France
 
 
Preferred Growing Conditions: Chardonnay is grown in almost every growing condition possible, although the best wines are grown in temperate to cool climates
 
 
Body: Medium to full
 
 
Acid: Low to Medium
 
 
Sweetness Levels: Chardonnays are almost always made into dry table wines
 
 
Aging Regime: Almost all Chardonnay is aged in oak
 
 
Varietal Characteristics: Pears, Apples, Tropical Fruits, Butter, Oak, and Spice
 
 
Regions of Quality Production:
Chardonnay is grown in almost every wine producing country in the world, although quality production is focused in the following areas.
            Burgundy, France
            Champagne, France
Northern California
            Australia
 
 
Additional Information:
-          Chardonnay is the most popular white grape varietal in the United States
-          There are several distinct styles of Chardonnay found throughout the world ranging from the lean and mineral-driven styles of Burgundy, to the buttery and oaky styles favored in California, to sparkling wines labeled “Blanc de Blancs” in Champagne and other sparkling wine producing regions
-          Chardonnay is a heavily-flavored grape variety ad can stand up to extreme manipulation including heavy oak aging, malolactic fermentation, sur lie aging, and battonage.
 
 
Riesling (aka Johannisberg Riesling, White Riesling, Rhine Riesling)
 
 
Origin: Germany
 
 
Preferred Growing Conditions: Riesling does best in cool to cold climates
 
 
Body: Light (when made in a dry style)
 
 
Acid: Very high
 
 
Sweetness Levels: Most Riesling tends to be dry to slightly sweet as many winemakers add a touch of sweetness to mask the high acidity of the grape. In certain conditions, however; Riesling can be made into extremely sweet dessert wines.
 
 
Aging Regime: Riesling is almost always aged in stainless steel and should not have characteristics of oak
 
 
Varietal Characteristics: Riesling is a grape that very effectively translates terroir, so that it does not have consistent varietal characteristics – it can range from heavily mineral to lush and fruity depending upon growing conditions. If any generalizations can be made, younger Rieslings tend to show floral characteristics, while aged Rieslings tend to show honey and petrol (gasoline). Regions of Quality Production:
            Germany
            Alsace, France
Austria
            Washington State
 
 
Additional Information:
-          Riesling is an extremely food friendly wine due to its light body and high acid content
-          Because of its ability to translate terroir, Riesling is very popular amongst serious wine enthusiasts, although this has never proven to make the wine popular with the general public
 
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday at Modus, in Banker's Hill.  Great music, great food and drinks. 
 
Cheers,
 
Dustin Jones
Director of Education VinVillage