Is Toasted Head Chardonnay oaked?

Answered by Christopher Steppe

Yes, Toasted Head Chardonnay is indeed oaked. The winemaking process for this involves fermenting the sur lie in a combination of new and used oak . Let's break down the process to understand it better.

1. Grape Harvest: The grapes for this wine are carefully picked during the night. This is done to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit flavors. Harvesting at night ensures that the grapes are cooler and less prone to oxidation, which can affect the quality of the wine.

2. De-stemming and Pressing: After the grapes are harvested, they are gently de-stemmed and pressed at the winery. De-stemming is the process of removing the stems from the grapes, while pressing involves extracting the juice from the grapes. This step is crucial in winemaking as it helps to extract the desired flavors and aromas from the grapes.

3. Fermentation: The juice obtained from pressing is then fermented sur lie. Sur lie is a French term that means “on the lees.” Lees are the sediment of dead cells, grape solids, and other particles that settle at the bottom of the fermentation vessel. Fermenting sur lie involves leaving the wine in contact with these lees during the fermentation process. This technique can add complexity and richness to the wine.

4. Oak Aging: During the fermentation process, the wine is aged in a combination of new and used oak barrels. The specific types of oak barrels used are American (55%), Eastern European (25%), and French (20%). Each type of oak imparts its own unique flavors and characteristics to the wine. American oak tends to lend flavors of vanilla, coconut, and spice, while French oak can contribute more subtle and complex flavors. Eastern European oak falls somewhere in between the two.

The use of oak barrels in winemaking can have a significant impact on the flavor profile of the wine. The Toasted Head Chardonnay, being oaked, is likely to have a rich and creamy texture with flavors of vanilla, toast, and possibly some spice or nuttiness. The oak aging process can also help to integrate and balance the fruit flavors with the oak characteristics, resulting in a well-rounded and harmonious wine.

It's worth noting that the extent of oak influence can vary from wine to wine, and winemakers have different preferences and styles when it comes to oak aging. Some wines may have a more pronounced oak influence, while others may be more subtle. Tasting the Toasted Head Chardonnay will give you a better understanding of the specific oak characteristics present in the wine.

In conclusion, Toasted Head Chardonnay is oaked, with the wine undergoing fermentation sur lie in a combination of new and used oak barrels. The oak aging process adds complexity, richness, and unique flavors to the wine, enhancing the overall drinking experience.