Texas Chardonnay: Oaked vs. Unoaked Styles
Have you ever found yourself browsing the wine aisle, a little intimidated by the sheer variety of wines? You’re not alone. It’s easy to stay with familiar favorites, but venturing out and trying something new can be very rewarding. This is especially true with Texas Chardonnay. Let’s uncork the world of Texas Chardonnay together and peek into its tasting notes.
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Texas Chardonnay: A Wine With Texas Roots
Many people associate Chardonnay with California or France. However, the Lone Star State has entered the game. Texas wineries have embraced the Chardonnay grape, producing both oaked and unoaked aging methods. This gives Texas Chardonnay a distinct character influenced by the Texas terroir.
Oaked vs. Unoaked Texas Chardonnay
The choice between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay is a matter of personal preference. It depends on the specific winemaking techniques used to make and age the wine.
Oaked Chardonnay
One of the defining aspects of many Texas Chardonnays is oak aging. Winemakers will often choose French oak barrels, specifically from regions like Allier, which are known for the subtle flavors they impart. The Texas Hill Country is particularly well-known for its oaked Chardonnay. This process, often lasting several months in the barrels, gives the wine a rich complexity.
Want a specific example? Discover Texas Hills Vineyards, at 878 Ranch Road 2766, Johnson City, TX 78636, where they carefully age their Chardonnay in French oak barrels bottling. These wines often have warm vanilla notes, toasted nuts, and sometimes even a hint of spice. It all comes from those oak barrels. Oaked Texas Chardonnay is a great place to start if you enjoy full-bodied white wine. With a WSET-trained palate, I find that oaked Texas Chardonnays have a creaminess comparable to or better than other New World Chardonnays I have sampled.
Unoaked Chardonnay
For those who prefer brighter acidity and a crisper finish wine, unoaked Texas Chardonnay is worth trying. These wines are typically aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the natural fruit flavors of the grapes. Without the influence of oak, the true character of the Chardonnay grape can shine through. Expect notes of citrus, green apple, and white peach. These characteristics make it ideal for lighter dishes like grilled white meat and summer salads.
Pairing Texas Chardonnay With Food
Pairing wine with food is an art form. Luckily, Texas Chardonnay is very versatile, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of cuisines.
Texas Chardonnay Food Pairing Ideas:
Hereโs a handy table with food pairing notes for oaked or unoaked Texas Chardonnay. You will see how the aging sur lies (on the yeasts) process with the French oak impacts the final profile tasting.
| Texas Chardonnay Style | Ideal Pairings |
|---|---|
| Oaked | Roasted chicken, grilled white fish, creamy pasta dishes, lobster mac and cheese, dishes with buttery sauces, mushrooms, Hill Country pecans, eggs benedict, Dungeness crab. |
| Unoaked | Grilled chicken or fish, summer vegetable salads, sushi, ceviche, goat cheese, shellfish, pasta with lighter sauces, spicy dishes. |
These are just starting points for when you want to learn the history of this varietal. The joy of wine is in experimentation. Donโt be afraid to think outside the box and see what pairings work for your palate. You may find your new favorite food pairing is shellfish.
Where to Find Texas Chardonnay
If all this talk about Texas Chardonnay has piqued your curiosity, there are multiple ways to find it:
- Visit a Local Winery: Texas Hill Country, in particular, is home to numerous wineries. Many of these offer tasting rooms where you can try various Chardonnays. Becker Vineyards Estate Winery and Tasting Room, located at 464 Becker Farms Road in Fredericksburg, and the Main Street Tasting Room at 307 East Main Street are worth exploring. This lets you experience the wines firsthand and learn about the winemaking process directly from those who crafted it.
- Wine Shops and Liquor Stores: Look for Texas wines in local shops. They’ll often have a dedicated section highlighting wines from the region. Donโt hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations if you donโt see Texas Chardonnay.
- Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers specialize in Texas wines and often ship directly to your door. Look at the wine specifics before you add it to your shopping cart.
The Last Pour
Texas Chardonnay often takes a backseat to better-known varieties. But, those who take the time to discover it are often pleasantly surprised. With its unique characteristics influenced by the Texas terroir and a variety of styles, Texas Chardonnay offers something for everyone. So, on your next trip down the wine aisle or during your visit to a local winery, look out for a bottle of Texas Chardonnay. You will not be disappointed.
FAQs about Texas chardonnay
What type of wine is Texas known for?
While Texas is known for a wide array of wines, including bold reds and crisp rosรฉs, itโs rapidly becoming recognized for its Rhรดne-style wines. These varietals, like Viognier and Roussanne for white wines, thrive in the warm Texas climate and sun.
Is wine from Texas good?
Absolutely. Texas wines consistently receive recognition in national and international competitions, speaking to their quality. From the high plains to the hill country, Texas wines capture the unique essence of the Texas landscape.
Is Chardonnay a high-end wine?
Chardonnay is a versatile grape that can be crafted in various wine styles. You can find accessible, everyday Chardonnays alongside pricier bottles from renowned vineyards.
Where is the best Chardonnay from?
While California’s Sonoma’s Russian River, Napa Valley’s Carneros, and France’s Burgundy region are historically famed for Chardonnay, limiting your selection would be a missed opportunity. Exceptional Chardonnays come from across the globe. Exploring various regions and discovering your personal favorites is part of the fun.
