Chapter 10: Winemaking Styles and Techniques
1. Oak Influence on Chardonnay: From Subtle to Bold Chardonnay, a versatile white grape variety, is often aged in oak barrels to enhance its flavor profile. The use of oak in winemaking can range from subtle to bold, depending on the desired outcome. When Chardonnay is aged in new oak barrels, it can impart rich vanilla, toast, and spice notes to the wine. The longer the wine remains in contact with the oak, the more pronounced these flavors become. However, winemakers can also opt for more restrained oak influence by using neutral or older barrels, allowing the fruit characteristics of Chardonnay to shine through. The choice of oak and its influence on Chardonnay is a crucial decision for winemakers, as it significantly impacts the final style and character of the wine. Word count: 109 2. Unveiling the Art of Malolactic Fermentation Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a winemaking technique commonly employed for Chardonnay production. During this process, the sharp malic acid in the wine