In Italy, Chardonnay is known by the name “Chardonnay.” However, it is interesting to note that historically, there have been alternative names used for this grape variety in different regions of Italy.
One such alternative name for Chardonnay is “Weissburgunder,” which translates to “White Burgundy” in German. This name was primarily used in the northern regions of Alto Adige and Trentino, where Germanic influences were prevalent. The use of the term “Weissburgunder” is attributed to the historical ties between these regions and Burgundy, France, where Chardonnay originated.
Additionally, in some areas of Italy, Chardonnay was called “Gelber Weissburgunder,” which translates to “Golden White Burgundy” in German. This name was used to differentiate Chardonnay from the local Pinot Blanc, which is also known as “Weissburgunder” in these regions. By adding the term “Gelber” or “Golden,” it emphasized the distinct golden color of Chardonnay compared to the lighter hues of Pinot Blanc.
It is worth mentioning that these alternative names for Chardonnay are not widely used in Italy today. The use of “Chardonnay” has become more prevalent, especially with the globalization of wine and the adoption of international grape names.
Personally, as a sommelier, I have encountered these alternative names for Chardonnay during my studies and tastings. While they may not be commonly used in Italy anymore, understanding their historical context adds depth to the knowledge of this versatile grape variety.
To summarize, Chardonnay is primarily known as “Chardonnay” in Italy. However, historically, it was also referred to as “Weissburgunder” and “Gelber Weissburgunder” in certain regions. These alternative names highlight the influence of Germanic and Burgundian traditions in Italian winemaking.