What’s a buttery Chardonnay?
“Buttery” can refer to a flavor, smell, texture or some combination of all three, and it’s most commonly associated with Chardonnay. Buttery flavors usually come from diacetyl, an organic compound that’s a natural byproduct of fermentation. … But buttery Chardonnays used to be very fashionable, and now much less so.
Is Chardonnay supposed to be buttery?
Chardonnay is known as a winemaker’s grape, because it can grow in many climates and it’s easy to work with in the cellar. It allows a winemaker creative license to make it light and elegant, or full-bodied and buttery. Chardonnay can taste different, depending on where it grows and how it’s made.
What is a really good Chardonnay?
Best Chardonnay Under $30
- Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay. 4.5 out of 5 stars. …
- Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay. 4.8 out of 5 stars. …
- J Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone. 4.4 out of 5 stars. …
- Cambria Chardonnay Katherine’s Vineyard. …
- Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. …
- La Crema Chardonnay Sonoma Coast. …
- River Road Chardonnay Sonoma. …
- Bogle Chardonnay.
What is the most oaky chardonnay?
12 Oaked Chardonnays That Defy Expectations
- Clendenen Family 2016 Le Bon Climat Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley); $50, 94 points. …
- J. …
- Vasse Felix 2018 Chardonnay (Margaret River); $39, 94 points. …
- Anaba 2017 WestLands Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast); $58, 92 points.
Why is Chardonnay so popular?
The chardonnay grape itself contributes to the wine’s popularity. Made from green-skinned grapes, Chardonnay is a relatively “low-maintenance” vine that adapts well to a variety of climates, resulting in fairly high yields worldwide. These high yields translate into millions of bottles of Chardonnay wines.
What is a good unoaked Chardonnay?
Best Unoaked Chardonnay Under 20
- Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonnay Francine’s Selection. 4.5 out of 5 stars. …
- La Vuelta Chardonnay Unoaked. …
- A to Z Chardonnay Unoaked. …
- Kim Crawford Chardonnay Unoaked. …
- Dominican Oaks Chardonnay Unoaked. …
- Natura Chardonnay Unoaked. …
- River Road Chardonnay Unoaked. …
- Luc Pirlet Chardonnay Unoaked.
Is oaked or unoaked Chardonnay better?
If you love a light white wine with floral notes and fruits then unoaked Chardonnay is perfect for you. This style of wine is fermented in stainless steel instead of oak barrels, and since it doesnt rely on the oak for taste it has more fresh fruit flavors and less of a toasty vanilla flavor.
What causes the buttery taste in Chardonnay?
Malolactic bacteria are usually present in the new wine already, but can also be added by the winemaker. It converts the apple-tasting malic acid in the wine into lactic acid. Also present in dairy, lactic acid creates a buttery taste, as in the showy Josh Cellars Chardonnay from California.
How do you pick a good Chardonnay?
Seek out Chardonnay wines that are not aged in oak. Look for tasting descriptors that indicate no oak including lean, mineral, fresh, white flowers, and citrus blossom. Most unoaked Chardonnay should be drunk young, although there are several examples (particularly in Chablis) that will age a decade or more.