What is the body type of Chardonnay produced in a cool climate like Chablis?

Chardonnay produced in a cool climate such as Chablis typically exhibits a light to medium body. This characteristic is largely due to the slower ripening of grapes in cooler regions, which leads to higher acidity and lower levels of sugar. Consequently, the wines tend to have a fresher, leaner profile, with a focus on crisp fruit flavors and minerality rather than the richness and opulence often found in Chardonnays from warmer climates.

The cool climate also enhances the grape's natural acidity, contributing to a brighter mouthfeel and making the wine more refreshing. In contrast, Chardonnay from warmer areas tends to have increased body and richness due to higher sugar levels and riper fruit flavors, which is not the case for the cool climate versions. Thus, the light to medium body designation for Chablis reflects its unique terroir and the vinification practices typical in cooler regions.