Oak-free Chardonnay

[mrdutton]

I found a nice, fruity Chardonnay from the Western Loire Valley. Plenty of fruit with a lemony/citrus finish, this young, fresh Chadonnay had no oak. (Stain-less steel might have had something do do with that [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img] )

The wine was made by the Couillaud family which owns the Chateau de la Ragotiere in the Muscadet region of the western Loire.

I picked it up for about $8.50 a bottle. It is a 1998 Domaine de Bernier Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France.

I had it with "dinner" tonight which was a light affair - a seafood salad submarine sandwich. Non-the-less it was a good bottle of wine!

[Bucko]

Mike, if you want a killer oak-free Chardonnay, try the following:

1999 Kim Crawford, Chardonnay, Unoaked, Marlborough, $15. This is a fruit driven wine with mango and pineapple fruit leaping from the glass, crisp acidity and pleasing balance. Great value.

Bucko

[Innkeeper]

Don't forget Callaway's Calla-lees, Hawk Watch, Chardonnay. It is oak free and a great value at less than $10.00 most places.

[mrdutton]

Bucko and Innkeeper - thanks for the suggestions.

I'll look for both of your suggested wines. If I can find them, rest assured I'll give them a try.

[Bucko]

Another oak-free Chard is called Toad Hollow. I have never tried it, but have heard good reports.

Bucko