Chardonnay: Your international guide

Chardonnay has become the world's most fashionable white wine. As a grape variety, it is grown in many parts of the globe - from Australia, North and South America, to France, Spain, Italy and Bulgaria. Alan Young takes a look at the many styles of Chardonnay and singles out the best producers the world over. He describes the practices which help to shape the flavours, explaining how and why these practices vary, and reveals the differing cultural attitudes. He takes us with him on a comprehensive tour of the major Chardonnay growing regions - through France, Italy, Spain, North America and Australasia - and tells the reader how to taste and evaluate the wine. He points out that, unlike all other wines, there is no definitive Chardonnay from the New World, for example, is superior to that of France.