08/09/05 Chardonnay and oak

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and on today's program we are going to explore the relationship between the small oak barrel and Chardonnay. Perhaps one of the most widely debated topics is the use of wood in the making of wine, in particular Chardonnay. For the last twenty years or so, wine consumers have been enticed by the very apparent characteristics and influences of oak on their favorite Chardonnay. The conversation is always lively and to me it is subjective. We all have a personal preference in wine and that is great. All I ask is that you be realistic and examine the wine to see if you really believe that it was well made and that you don't just think it is good because you paid bug bucks for it and your ego won't let you believe that it may not hold the greatness that the price tag intimates. As you smell and taste the wine notice if the fragrance is balanced  can you smell the fruit and not just the butter and vanilla that is a result of the winemaking process? Do you enjoy the texture of the wine in your mouth? Is there enough acidity to make it refreshing and pleasant to drink? Be certain that the oaky sweetness or the char or toasted qualities do not intrude on your overall impression of the wine. In short, is it well balanced? If so then the wine maker probably did a great job and didn't get too heavy handed with the use of oak barrels. When executed well, the marriage of Chardonnay and oak, is truly a match made in heaven. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.