Mendoza in the far west of Argentina is the country's most important wine region. Vineyard altitude averages 1000 metres, and the climate is considered close to ideal for red wine production, and now increasingly white.

A semi-desert climate, run-off water from the Andes and contrasting day and night temperatures result in deeply coloured, scented and structured red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and tempranillo in addition to Malbec and Bonarda. Chardonnay, Torrontes and Sauvignon are the main white grapes cultivated, though quality wines from Viognier and Chenin Blanc are also appearing.

Few varieties are more keenly debated than Chardonnay. There is an army of people who will avoid a wine labelled as Chardonnay at all costs, and those who argue that it is the finest white grape available. What is for certain is that it is one of the most versatile grape varieties.

For a winemaker it has two great attributes; firstly it will ripen well in most climates, and secondly it has the ability take on whatever character the winemaker wishes. In Chablis for example (a relatively cool climate) producers try to highlight the freshness and high acidity of the grape in that climate by fermenting and ageing the wine in stainless steel. The result is a wine that is bone dry and has a fresh, mineral character. Move a little further south to Burgundy's Cote d'Or and the slightly warmer climate gives the wines a more tropical edge, and here producers often mature there wines in oak barrels. The richer, toastier, more caramelised flavours that develop suit this riper style. In Champagne the producers like to pick their Chardonnay before it has reached full ripeness and allow the lighter wine take on more character from the yeasts used in fermentation. All three styles have been emulated throughout the world, but it is in the new world where we find the name Chardonnay written across the label of the bottle. 

It is, however, impossible to avoid the fact that the wines of Champagne and Burgundy are some of the most sought after, and worldwide the popularity of this grape is such that it is fast becoming the world's most planted white variety. If you don't think you like Chardonnay and are yet to experience the vibrancy of a youthful Chablis or the refined, mineral laden and mouth filling intensity of a fine white Burgundy then we encourage you to do so, it may just change your mind.