no oak barrels

[Lar1050]

I was wondering if there are any wines that are always aged in steel barrels? I am recently allergic to oak and the oak barrels seem to bother me. Any ideas?

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, Lar. Oak is used with so many wines made in the US, I've got to say look to Europe for the widest selection on unoaked wines. Look for Sauvignon Blancs from France and Pinot Grigio from Italy, to name two.... and Beaujolais from France for a red. Try several different labels of each and you're bound to find some that you can enjoy.

[Innkeeper]

The only American and other New World whites that see a lot of oak are Chardonnay and to a lesser extent Sauvignon Blanc. Californians in particular used to over oak SB to make it a "poor man's" Chardonnay. Now that splendid SBs from New Zealand, South Africa, and the Lorie Valley in France midout wood are doing so well in the U.S., American producers are making more and more that way. Sometimes, but unfortunately not usually you can tell from what's written on the bottle. Reislings, Chenin Blanc, and other white wines almost never see oak.

Red wines are a problem. Can't think of anything other that Beaujolais that you can hang your hat on.