What are the different styles of Chardonnay wine?
Chardonnay comes in three main styles: creamy oaked Chardonnay, citrusy unoaked Chardonnay (Chablis is the classic example) and sparkling Chardonnay, called Blanc de Blancs. Oak and malolactic fermentation create the buttery style; stainless steel keeps the wine lean and fresh.
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What are the main styles of Chardonnay?
| Style | Flavors | Food |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy, oaked | Vanilla, butterscotch, butter, toasty oak; tropical fruit or lemon curd | Mushroom risotto, lobster bisque, chicken |
| Citrusy, unoaked | Green apple, pear, citrus peel, white flowers, mineral | Flaky fish, scallops, oysters |
| Sparkling (Blanc de Blancs) | Lemon, honeycomb, hazelnut, toast | Salty fried foods |
What does oaked Chardonnay taste like?
Rich and round. Wine Folly lists vanilla, creme brulee, coconut, toasty oak, brioche, butter and butterscotch. Look for wines fermented or aged in oak. It is usually best within 3 to 5 years of the vintage, though some age for about 10.
What is unoaked Chardonnay?
Chardonnay made without oak, usually in stainless steel, to keep freshness and acidity. It tastes lean and fresh. Chablis is a classic example, and many Chablis can age for a decade or more.
What is Blanc de Blancs?
A sparkling wine whose name means white of whites, made from white grapes only. Champagne-style Blanc de Blancs is 100 percent Chardonnay. Longer aging on the lees after the second fermentation gives creamier, nuttier wines.
Why is some Chardonnay buttery?
- Malolactic fermentation often happens while the wine rests in oak barrels and creates a richer, oily, buttery texture.
- Oak adds vanilla, clove, cinnamon and coconut when toasted new oak is used.
How do you choose a style?
- Want light and crisp: look for unoaked, Chablis, or the words stainless steel or unoaked on the label.
- Want rich and creamy: look for barrel-fermented, barrel-aged or reserve wines.
- Want bubbles: choose Blanc de Blancs.
Serving temperatures vary by producer; a cool but not ice-cold white wine temperature is a safe general approach.
People also ask
What is the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay?
Oaked is richer, with vanilla and butter notes. Unoaked is lean, fresh and citrusy.
Why is some Chardonnay buttery?
Malolactic fermentation and oak aging add a creamy, buttery texture and flavors.
What is Blanc de Blancs?
A sparkling wine made from white grapes only; Champagne-style Blanc de Blancs is 100 percent Chardonnay.
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