Chardonnay has become one of the most widely planted varieties in the world. While the grape can be grown in a wide variety of climes, it does best when there is highly mineral soil. The best examples of Chardonnay are still those of Burgundy and the limestone vineyards of Champagne. The best white Burgundies are rich and sinewed at release, maturing into incredibly elegant, honeyed wines. In the New World, Chardonnay takes on many forms, from the rich, oaky, blowsy styles of overly warm vineyard sites, to the powerful yet elegant style found in the cooler New World microclimates.