Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety, used to make wine. It is believed to be named after the village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais region of Francecitation needed]. DNA fingerprinting research at the University of California, Davis suggests that Chardonnay has originated as a cross between Pinot and the Croatian Gouais Blanc grape varietiescitation needed]. Gouais Blanc is not popular in its own right and is almost extinctcitation needed]. Chardonnay is also known by the names Aubaine, Beaunois, Melon Blanc and Pinot Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is also an important component in Champagne and there are some 100% Chardonnay Champagnes labeled blanc de blancs. It is also used by sparkling wine producers.
The name is a derivative of Cardonnacum, a Latin language term to denote an area with thistles.