Hi Friends.  You’ve probably heard about this new style of Chardonnay that’s gaining popularity in the market place. It’s called an ‘unoaked’ chardonnay and it’s free of any barrel influence and displays the true natural flavors of the fruit and it’s soil.  What’s the difference you might ask?  Well, an ‘oaked’ chardonnay is your typical wine that is aged in oak barrels and receives malolactic fermentation which turns the lactic acid into malolactic acid, thus producing a toasted butter like flavor.  An ‘unoaked’ chardonnay is the exact opposite.  The natural flavors are put center-stage without the nuance of oak or butter.  If you’re already a fan of this style or looking to try something new and different then I highly recommend that you start with the 2009 Passaggio Chardonnay.  Available online at Passaggio Wines for only $16

AROMA & FLAVORS

This wine has a  beautiful, soft tint of gold and has an elegant aroma of peach, melon and grapefruit. The flavors are VERY bright, crisp and a little creamy on the finish.  The acidic flavors gave it a fun twist and it could probably mature a bit in the wine cellar for at least 1-4 years.  In fact, the longer I let the wine breath in my glass the more it displayed creaming apple and pear characteristics.  My two favorite qualities in an unoaked Chardonnay!

SPECIAL FEATURES

Another great feature about this wine is the contemporary ZORK closure. A very reliable seal that protects the wine from leaks and any risk of cork taint.  The seal is also very easy to open. Because of these elements you can always expect your wine to produce consistant flavors.

WINEMAKER

Winemaker Cynthia Cosco makes this amazing wine in Napa Valley and also produces a very tasteful Pinot Grigio.  To learn more about these two wines please visit her website at www.passaggiowines.com.  Cynthia loves to connect with her fans via Facebook and Twitter.  The name Passaggio means ‘passage’ in Italain and symbolizes the journy her family made four generations ago from Italy to America.  Cynthia is a winemaker that has followed her passion and has produced a delicious wine by doing soon.  Cheers!

Disclaimer: Wines were received as samples for review.