Chardonnay still a table favorite

This is one grape that commands a lot of acreage in vineyards in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It is such an easy grape that a rather disparaging grower in Australia once told me the Chardonnay was sprouting like "weeds" all over.

It has been described as a blank canvas that a creative vintner can make his mark with. Chardonnay is very sensitive to terroir - the set of conditions that dictate the flavor of the wine that comes from the grape - and it responds remarkably well to all the techniques of winemaking that distinguish one vintage from another.

The sensitivity is also the reason why Chardonnay can taste so different from region to region, ranging from a distinctive buttery nose to a citrus scent to the aroma of stone fruits like peaches. Throw in some bottles with the bouquet of apples and tropical fruits and you get a thoroughly confused consumer gazing at the wide range of Chards on the shelves in bewilderment.