The Chardonnay Grape
Genetic studies have identified Chardonnay as a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Historical references note California plantings of Chardonnay dating back to the late 1800s, but production remained limited because of the grape's low yields. Most Chardonnay vineyards were uprooted during Prohibition when growers replaced them with thick-skinned varieties that could be shipped cross country. Small plantings in the Livermore Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains survived Prohibition. It was not until the 1970s and thereafter that Chardonnay plantings boomed as the wine became increasingly popular.
Source: Estimated by Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates. Traditional bottled table wine shipments to the U.S. market.
Total % may not add up exactly to 100% because of rounding.
1 Includes generic blends and Meritage wines.
2 Others include Pinot Gris 3.2%; Syrah, 2.1%.
| 2006 | 49.0 million |
| 2005 | 47.3 million |
| 2004 | 45.0 million |
| 2003 | 43.1 million |
| 2002 | 40.1 million |
| 2001 | 35.7 million |
| 2000 | 34.6 million |
| 1999 | 32.2 million |
| 1998 | 29.0 million |
| 1997 | 27.0 million |
| 1996 | 24.3 million |
| 1995 | 21.1 million |
| 1994 | 18.2 million |
| 1993 | 16.0 million |
| 1992 | 13.5 million |
| 1991 | 10.5 million |
| 1990 | 9.0 million |
Source: Impact Annual Wine Survey.
| 2006 | 61.2 million |
| 2005 | 59.3 million |
| 2004 | 56.0 million |
| 2003 | 52.5 million |
| 2002 | 47.3 million |
| 2001 | 42.0 million |
| 2000 | 40.2 million |
Source: Impact Annual Wine Survey.
Revised on May 1, 2007