As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I have come across a multitude of Chardonnays throughout my career. One of the key factors that sets apart an oaked Chardonnay from an unoaked one is the presence of certain descriptors in the wine. These descriptors act as clues that help us determine whether the wine has been aged in oak barrels or not.
When it comes to oaked Chardonnay, one of the most prominent indicators is the presence of vanilla. This flavor is derived from the oak barrels used during the winemaking process. The oak imparts its characteristic vanilla notes onto the wine, creating a rich and creamy profile. Additionally, you might also come across descriptors like baking spice, butter, and even coconut, all of which are commonly associated with oak aging.
On the other hand, unoaked Chardonnays tend to exhibit a different set of characteristics. These wines often have a more crisp and refreshing profile, with flavors centered around citrus fruit and white flowers. You might encounter descriptors like lemon, grapefruit, green apple, or even honeysuckle. These flavors are more focused on the fruit and floral aspects of the wine, rather than the influence of oak.
Another clue that can help you discern whether a Chardonnay is oaked or unoaked is the texture of the wine. Oaked Chardonnays tend to have a fuller body and a smoother mouthfeel due to the oak influence. In contrast, unoaked Chardonnays are typically lighter in body, with a crisper and more vibrant texture.
It's important to note that not all oaked Chardonnays will display these characteristics to the same degree. The intensity of the oak influence can vary depending on factors such as the length of oak aging, the type of oak used, and the winemaker's style. Similarly, unoaked Chardonnays can still exhibit some fruit flavors that overlap with oaked ones, but they will generally lack the pronounced oak-driven characteristics.
In my personal experience, I have found that tasting a variety of Chardonnays side by side can be a great way to train your palate and develop a better understanding of the differences between oaked and unoaked styles. It allows you to compare and contrast the flavors and textures, enabling you to identify the presence or absence of oak with greater confidence.
To summarize, when trying to determine if a Chardonnay is oaked or unoaked, look for descriptors like vanilla, pineapple, baking spice, and butter, as these are clear indications of oak aging. On the other hand, phrases like crisp, citrus fruit, and white flowers are likely used to describe unoaked Chardonnays. Remember, tasting and comparing different styles of Chardonnay will ultimately help you become more adept at identifying these differences.