Wine to Try: Unaoked Chardonnay

Do you ever feel lost in the wine aisle, especially when it comes to Chardonnay?  Chardonnay is usually a safe bet.  After all, it is the most popular white wine.  But all Chardonnays are not created equal.  If you want to be able to spill a little wine knowledge at your next dinner with friends, keep reading to learn more about one of our favorites, unoaked Chardonnay.

Oaked vs. Unoaked Chardonnay

If you've tasted more than a few glasses of Chardonnay, you may have noticed a distinct difference.  Some glasses may have a vanilla, buttery taste, while others have a more crisp and vibrant flavor.  What’s makes them different?  While oaked and unoaked Chardonnay may start their journey to your glass with the same grapes, they take different paths to get there.

Oaked Chardonnay ages in oak barrels, which inevitably influence their flavor.  They often taste rich and almost creamy.  In contrast, unoaked Chardonnay skips the oak barrels in favor of stainless steel tanks.  As a result, the fruity flavor of the grape is much more dominant.

Is Unoaked Chardonnay Better?

Of course, this is going to depend on who you ask.  Many find it to be refreshing and bright, perfect for warm summer days.  You’ll taste notes like green apple, citrus and light florals.  

How Do I Know What Wine To Buy?

So you’re in the wine aisle, staring at bottles of Chardonnay?  How do you know which one to get?  If you know you have a preference, here are a few clues to help you.  Unoaked Chardonnay is often described as crisp, clean, fresh, or fruity.  Oaked Chardonnays will be buttery, toasty, oaky, and even spicy.  Or skip the store and order a bottle from Grovedale Winery!

Taste the Difference at Grovedale Winery

If you’ve had Chardonnay in the past and thought that it wasn’t for you, perhaps you need to try an unoaked Chardonnay.  And now you have a little trivia for you for your friends the next time you open a bottle!

Grovedale Winery is located in Wyaslusing, PA.  We are a family owned business that prides ourselves in offering guests a unique wine tasting experience in the beautiful Endless Mountains.  Our wines are produced in small lots, ensuring exceptional quality and flavor.  We are best known for our Sh!tshow wines, but offer varietals for every taste.  Visit the best PA winery in person or shop online today!