What Chardonnay is unoaked?
The difference between oaked and unoaked chardonnay is that oaked chardonnay is aged in new oak barrels, while unoaked is not. When chardonnay spends time in oak barrels instead of steel or plastic tanks, the oak imparts flavors into the wine that resemble sweet vanilla, caramel, and butter.
How do you get unoaked Chardonnay?
When reading tasting notes, look for descriptors such as “crisp,” “refreshing” or “vibrant” to suggest unoaked Chardonnays, while oaked wines might be described with “toast” or “vanilla.”
Is oaked or unoaked Chardonnay better?
Unoaked Chardonnay goes well with delicate fish, seafood dishes, and really just about anything. But, if you have a heavily oak influenced Chardonnay then you risk overwhelming the delicate flavors found in delicate dishes.
Is unoaked Chardonnay dry?
Chardonnay is sometimes considered a dry white wine—if it is unoaked, or “naked.” Unoaked chardonnays can be dry, crisp, and refreshing, similar to a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.
Is Kendall Jackson chardonnay oaked or unoaked?
An unoaked Chardonnay – like the Kendall-Jackson Avant – sees no oak during its fermentation and ageing process. This leaves Chardonnay’s natural flavors to shine on their own. Unoaked Chardonnays are often made in stainless steel tanks.
Is unoaked chardonnay less acidic?
Unoaked Chardonnay generally has medium to high acid (usually more acid than oaked Chardonnay).
Is a buttery Chardonnay oaked or unoaked?
American Chardonnays are almost always oaked, which is why they’re known for that buttery creaminess, and European Chardonnays are steel-aged and tend towards those bright apple and citrus flavors.
What is unoaked Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine grape in the world, and for good reason. Its incredible versatility is responsible for complex and ageworthy Champagne as well as covetable, clean white Burgundy. But while oaky Chardonnay remains popular, the unoaked ones show the crisper side of the grape.
What is the best Chardonnay wine in 2019?
Saracina 2019 Unoaked Chardonnay (Mendocino); $20, 91 points. This medium-bodied wine is graceful and well balanced, offering crisp lemon and green-apple flavors on a rather lean, tangy texture. It is nuanced and complex, and has a nice tension from tantalizing acidity. —Jim Gordon
What is Teresa’s Unoaked chardonnay?
Balletto 2019 Teresa’s Unoaked Chardonnay (Russian River Valley); $20, 91 points. Estate-grown fruit presents as light in color and floral on the nose, with a fleshy flavorful palate of peach, green apple and pear. Long-lasting freshness and focus support its steely, light-bodied frame. —Virginie Boone