After a boom of popularity in the late 90’s to early 2000’s, Chardonnay has taken a lot of heat. Beyond market saturation, the issue was that many winemakers were oaking (or over-oaking) this crisp, bright grape. While oak is critical for a high-scoring red wine, it is detrimental to a Chardonnay. Luckily, the more winemakers adopt the sustainable, stainless steel wine barrel, the more unoaked Chardonnays hit the shelves.
As spring [hopefully] approaches, we thought we’d highlight a few fabulous unoaked Chardonnays from around the world. These unoaked Chardonnays are fresh favorites guaranteed to delight the palate without breaking the bank, according to wine enthusiasts and Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Morgan 2015 Metallico Unoaked Chardonnay (Monterey) — Citrusy and slightly buttery aroma, brisk and zesty sip and finish. Stainless steel bottled.
Sightglass 2016 Conner Lee Vineyard Chardonnay (Columbia Valley, WA) — Apple/fruity aroma, clear and crisp palate, creamy finish. Fermented and aged in stainless steel.
Rivera 2016 Preludio N.1 Chardonnay (Castel del Monte) — Ripe, fruity aroma, a balanced juicy and mineraly palate. Fermented in stainless steel, aged in cement.
Domaine Gueguen 2016 Chablis — Creamy and citrusy palate with a touch of spice, crisp texture.
Eikendal 2015 Janina Unwooded Chardonnay (Western Cape) — Apple-melon and floral nose, light texture, tart apple and plum finish.
Toad Hollow 2016 Francine’s Selection Unoaked Chardonnay (Mendocino County) — Fresh doughy aroma, crisp citrus and apple flavors, smooth with a touch of nut.
Wagner 2016 Unoaked Chardonnay (Finger Lakes) — Plush, pump and citrusy with an elegant, full texture.
Domaine du Tariquet 2016 Chardonnay (Côtes de Gascogne) — Light with fine fruitiness and balanced acidity.
Zolo 2016 Sustainably Farmed Estate Grown and Bottled Unoaked Chardonnay (Mendoza) — Tropical-fruit aromas with ample acidity.
At Skolnik, we look forward to the warmer season and an excuse to enjoy more bright, sunny and unoaked wines.