Best Unoaked Chardonnay 2020

Dirty Laundry Reserve Chardonnay 2019

Winemaking

100% Chardonnay from Summerland. Partial malolactic fermentation softens any sharp edges while still retaining a firm backbone of acidity. 60% spends 8 months in new French Oak, 40% in stainless steel which helps to retain fruitiness.

Alcohol 12.8%, pH 3.2, TA 7.35 gm/L, RS 1.21 gm/ L

Tasting Notes

A bone dry chardonnay that is lightly oaked. Aromas of ripe apples and citrus. Flavours of green and red apples, Meyer Lemon, caramel with lively acidity and a soft mineral backbone. Easy drinking alone or to complement seafood or pasta dishes. 90 Points.

If you have tasted any of these wines, we would love to hear your comments!

Peak Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay 2020

Winemaking

The fruit was harvested from Blocks 8, 21 and 27 of the Carrs Landing vineyard. Two of the three Chardonnay clones that are planted in these blocks are known to be more aromatic, complex and concentrated the third clone, 95, provides freshness and tension. The juices from all three blocks were combined in a stainless steel tank before fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was stirred weekly on its lees for four months to add textural richness.

Alcohol 13.4% / pH 3.39 / TA 6.1 g/L / RS 1.1 g/L

Tasting Notes

This is a clean, easy-drinking, dry Chardonnay. The wine opens with aromas of lemon, apple, pineapple and a whiff of tarragon. The wine is full of orchard fruit on the palate with lime zest to liven the lean mouthfeel. The long finish is accented with notes of green tea. This is a youthful wine to be enjoyed now. 92 Points

Seghesio Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2020

Like a delicious lemon tart, this Chardonnay invites with sweet, zesty, citrus aromas. The similarities between wine and desert continue on its creamy palate, where acidity retains freshness and its 14 percent alcohol content is seamlessly incorporated. This is a standout value pick. Average price: $22. Rating: 90.

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Intrigue Wines Chardonnay 2018

Winemaking

12% of the wine was fermented in new French oak barrels.

Alcohol 12.1%, RS 8 gm/ L, TA 6.63 gm/L.

Tasting Notes

This is a lightly oaked chard. Aromas of green apple, tropical fruit with a hint of caramel. On the palate, ripe apple, Anjo pear, pineapple, honeydew melon, kiwi and toffee with crisp well-balanced acid. A great white for a hot summer day. 90 Points

The 2017 Vintage won a Bronze medal at All Canadian Wine Championship 2018.

The strong fruit character and rich structure allow this wine to compliment Roast Chicken, Cedar Plank Salmon or Crab Cakes.

What Is Chardonnay History

Experts agree that the Chardonnay grape was born in France in the Burgundy region.

Chardonnay is the result of a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais blanc as per a recent study from the University of California, Davis .

Chardonnay gained increased popularity in California from the famous Chateau Montelenas blind tasting in Paris in 1976.

Check out the movie Bottle Shock . Since 2000 Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape in California.

These days Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape globally and the second most planted white grape in France, followed by Sauvignon Blanc.

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Brown Estate House Of Brown Chardonnay 2020

From Lodi, located in the central region of California. This wine is a great-valued Chardonnay wine. It is light, crisp, and fruit-forward . Yet also smooth and creamy. You can drink this anywhere anytime. Its just a delicious wine especially for its price.

Tasting Notes: Pineapple, green apple, oak, citrus, butter, peach, tropical fruit

Millbrook 2020 Unoaked Chardonnay

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Rich aromas of apple, lemon curd and banana cream pie carry the nose. There’s a plump texture to the palate, with very good cohesion between the ripe fruit and brisk citrus flavors. Alexander Peartree

• rating

All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.

Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.

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Four Vines Santa Barbara County Naked Chardonnay 2006

“Temperance, like chastity, is its own punishment,” reads the logo of this cheeky Naked Chardonnay producer. Winemaker and owner Chris Tietje, a self-described hedonist, was a Boston chef before going west to man the grape presses of this Paso Robles winery, so he really understands food-friendly offerings. This Chardonnay was made in 100 percent stainless steel and is a slightly sweet, very orange-juicy, wine, which also has flavors of papaya and melon.

Things To Consider When Buying Chardonnay

When it comes to buying chardonnay, you need to bear in mind a whole range of factors.

Typically, you will find three main types of chardonnay in your local store. These common flavors are both popular and versatile. You can make your purchase based on the chardonnay taste or how well it goes with your meal.

To make the right decision, check out our complete list of considerations below.

Creamy oaked chardonnay

If you enjoy a full-bodied white, we suggest purchasing a creamy oaked chardonnay. These types of wines vary in taste. Some have a richer profile, such as grilled pineapple, lush tropical fruit, vanilla, and butterscotch. Others have a much lighter profile with hints of lemon curd, poached pear, baked apple, and a textural chalky minerality.

Creamy oaked chardonnay goes well with creamy dishes like mushroom risotto, mushroom stroganoff, lobster bisque, chicken, or leek and ham pie.

If you want to ensure you pick up a quality creamy oaked chardonnay, you should seek out a chardonnay that has been aged in oak or both fermented and aged in oak.

You can usually tell something has been oaked because the tasting descriptors will include crème brûlée, vanilla, coconut, baked apple, toasty oak, butter, brioche, butterscotch, or cream.

Also, although some chardonnay wines will age well for ten years, most oaked chardonnay wines should be consumed within 35 years of the vintage.

Citrusy unoaked chardonnay

Sparkling chardonnay: Blanc de Blancs

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Maggy Hawk Skycrest Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

From Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, this small-production wine serves a high-definition expression of Chardonnay. A creamy nose suggests it went through full or partial malolactic fermentation, and the sweet scent marries nicely with stone fruit scents and a hint of white pepper. Acidity, alcohol, and fruit character land in equal proportions on the palate. Average price: $60. Rating: 90.

Tantalus Juveniles Chardonnay 2017

Winemaking

All sourced from the single vineyard estate, the young gun Chardonnay block was handpicked and vinified in small lots using entirely wild fermentation. The wine was crafted in a combination of stainless steel and neutral barrels, to ensure the purity of the fruit was maintained with just a wisp of the oak present. At only 6 years old, this young vineyard is already showing incredible potential and it will be interesting to see how the site evolves and develops over the next 20 years.

Tasting Notes

12.3% Alcohol. A classic Chardonnay with aromas of green apple, lemon rind and a touch of fresh oyster shell. Flavours of ripe apple and Meyer lemon with just a hint of oak. Super mouthfeel with well-balanced acid. A light crisp chardonnay that will really hit its stride on a hot BC day. Amazing wine for only 6-year-old vinesthats Kelowna wine country for you! 91 Points.

Pair with neutral undressed Gone Crackers. Here is the link to where you can buy these premium crackers. Also works well with shrimp or fish tacos.

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Chamisal Vineyards Sta Rita Hills Chardonnay 2018

This Chardonnay is all about texture, with creamy, buttery aromas previewing the experience that awaits in glass. Each soft and velvety sip arrives with mild acidity, amplifying subtle mineral notes that reign in its weighty viscosity. Enjoy with a rich risotto or classic roast chicken dinner. Average price: $38. Rating 89.

Macari Vineyards Chardonnay Estate 2019

The cooler climate of the North Fork of Long Island provides the ideal setting for making fruit-forward Chardonnay like this unaged, stainless steel bottling from Macari. Passionfruit and mango aromas mingle with steely green notes on the nose, transforming to orchard fruit and pleasingly persistent acidity on the palate. This wine has light salad written all over it. Average price: $24. Rating: 89.

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Zuccardi Valle De Uco Fosil Chardonnay 2020

Grown at close to 1,500 meters above sea level in Argentinas Uco Valley, this bright, grippy wine showcases both elevation and the complex composition of the soil in which the grapevines are planted. Minerality is a constant theme throughout and is afforded prominence in the wine by muted stone fruit notes that let rocks and texture do all the talking. Its a little pricey but wine lovers and soil nerds will devour this one. Average price: $65. Rating: 90.

Best California : Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 2019

Vivinos tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 83% more. | Featured in Best wines between $20 and $40 right now

Region: United States, Napa ValleyTasting notes: Apricot, Pineapple, Butterscotch, Oak, Honey.

The heart of Stags Leap Wine Cellars is undoubtedly the estate vineyards and extraordinary care is taken to assure that a wines aroma, flavor, and texture convey a sense of place.

The goal is to create wines of classic beauty wines with balance, complexity and harmony.

The same classic style of the Estate wines is also expressed in the Napa Valley Collection, which consists of three wines: AVETA Sauvignon Blanc KARIA Chardonnay and ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vivinos tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 61% more.

Region: United States, Sonoma Coast

Tasting notes: Lemon, Pear, Apricot, Wet Stone.

Showing balanced depth and complexity, light straw to golden color, aromas unfold with layers of lemon, pear, apricot and wet stone minerality.

This vintage shows crispness on the palate, with a lush and balanced citrus finish.

Region: United States, Dundee Hills

Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Butter, Oak, Toast.

These flavors carry through on the palate to display a balanced and elegant wine that delivers firm acidity, richness and persistence.

It pairs well with a vegetarian dish, rich fish dishes like salmon and tuna, and poultry dish.

Vivinos tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 63% more.

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Smoky Rose Cellars Stainless Steel Chardonnay 2020

A mildly oxidative note brings a sherry-like whiff to the nose of this 100 percent stainless steel Chardonnay, but equally present are lean and crisp orchard fruit aromas. The palate provides a captivating exploration of minerality and texture. Enjoy this with a creamy goat cheese. Average price: $35. Rating: 88.

Grard Bertrand Domaine De L’aigle Chardonnay Limoux 2020

A light gold-greenish Chardonnay wine has refreshing quality to it wiht mineral and fruit flavors. For those who want to try some French Chardonnay with New World taste profiles. Give this one a shot. Its from a well-known large French winery that makes good wines.

Tasting Notes: Oak, pear, citrus, apple, vanilla, toast, minerals, peach

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Castoro De Oro Unoaked Chardonnay 2017

13.0 % Alcohol. A well-balanced dry chardonnay. Aromas of citrus, creamy caramel, and green apples. On the palate, apples, kiwi, mango, pear, ripe peach, butterscotch and crème caramel, with a creamy citrus finish. 90 Points.

For other excellent Castoro de Oro new releases see the earlier post here.

Where Does Chardonnay Grow Best

Chardonnays an extremely versatile grape that grows worldwide in different climates and soil.

Chardonnay does best in clay, limestone, and chalky soil. The climate affects the tasting profile of the wine in the following ways:

• Cool climate Chardonnay tends to be mineral with citrus flavor, high acidity, and medium body. Regional areas examples: France , Northern Italy, US , New Zealand.
• Warm climate Chardonnay tends to have tropical and stone fruit ripe flavor, lower acidity, and full body. Like Sauvignon Blanc, if the over-ripening is not properly controlled it will considerably reduce aromas and acidity. Regional areas examples: Southern Italy, South Australia, and South Africa.

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Oaked Chardonnay Useful Insight

Oaked Chardonnay is quite different in taste from Unoaked Chardonnay.

It generally is rich, rounded, creamy, full-body wine with tertiary flavors of Vanilla, butter, spice, caramel, and honey.

The tertiary flavors are from the oak aging and fermentation process.

The rounded, creamy texture is from the malolactic formation and the contact with the lees, or dead yeast which reduces wines acidity.

Sparkling Blanc De Blancs Useful Insight

Youll commonly find a sweetness level, called dosage, in the label that its needed to counterbalance the high acidity.

The dosage, in sweetness order, can be: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra-Dry, Dry, and Doux. Brut is the most common.

Only the wine produced in the Champagne region in France can be called Champagne. The others, even if produced with the same method, must be called sparkling wine.

Malolactic fermentation is a usual process for wines made only with Chardonnay.

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Unoaked Chardonnay Useful Insight

The fermentation and aging in stainless steel give crispness and brightness to the wine.

That is why unoaked Chardonnay is similar in taste to Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc but without herbaceous flavors.

When you read Chablis on the label, youll know its Chardonnay.

Chablis is a French region within Burgundy. Chardonnay produced here is generally fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.

Chteau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2018

A juggernaut of American winemaking, its somewhat fitting that this Château Ste. Michelle wine encapsulates the type of Chardonnay thats associated with this nation. At 14.5 percent ABV, and with 96 percent of the wine encountering some form of oak, its an undoubtedly heady white. But the rich influence of oak, and the creamy texture provided by malolactic fermentation, are tempered by pronounced Meyer lemon notes. Each sip finishes with harmony and balance. Average price: $30. Rating: 88.

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True To The Style Of A Steel

Weve talked before about the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnays but its so important that were bringing it up again.

The Chardonnay is one of the six noble grapes, and therefore one of the most popular wines around the world. There are two kinds of Chardonnay, oaked and steel-aged.

A steel-aged Chardonnay is going to have very distinct characteristics: bright, tangy, and acidic, with fruit flavors that resemble those qualities like citrus fruits and apples, and a minerality that brings a crispness to the wine. The following wines are the five steel-aged Chardonnays you should drink this summer.

Crisp And Clean: 10 Unoaked Chardonnays From Around The World

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. These wines are all fermented in stainless steel and run the gamut from light and simple, to serious and ageable.

Schild Estate 2019 Unwooded Chardonnay $17, 92 points. This unwooded Chardonnay is a refreshing contrast to many of this producers ripe, powerful reds. It opens with a bright perfume of peach, melon and ginger, with a mineral, saline note in the background. The palate has textural appeal. Its creamy in feel yet lifted by pure, mouthwatering acidity and clean, fresh fruit flavors. USA Wine West. Editors Choice. Christina Pickard

Balletto 2019 Teresas Unoaked Chardonnay $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

Saracina 2019 Unoaked Chardonnay $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

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Church & State Wines Coyote Bowl Series Chardonnay 2018

Winemaking

Pressed in whole bunches and fermented in barrels for 3 weeks. Aged in French oak barrels for 8 months.

12.5% Alcohol | TA: 5.5 G/ L| RS: 2.5 G/ L

Tasting Notes

The chardonnay has a complex nose of green apple, almond and ripe bananas. Flavours of pineapple, white peach and apricot with a mineral backbone. The mouthfeel is smooth with balanced acidity and a long, rolling finish. 91 Points

Paired with pasta and Alfredo sauce.

Chardonnay The 2022 Guide To The Best Chardonnay Wines

Chardonnay can be a bit of a love/hate proposition for a lot of people, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

On the one hand you have the big, buttery style of wines that undergo malolactic fermentation and are usually aged in oak.

On the other hand you have the naked, or unoaked, style that lets the true beauty of the grape shine through. While we naturally gravitate towards the latter group some of our very favorite Chardonnays are those that blend a bit of both styles together.

In this category we call out our favorites in both the oaked, unoaked and combined styles which means that we’ve got something for everyone!

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