Wine of the Week: Get Naked

          Simply Naked Chardonnay is simply delicious. Winemaker Ryan Flock has been working in the wine industry since his teenage years and has become known as a premier winemaker in the Sierra foothills of California. Simply Naked unoaked wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel, not oak, allowing the taster to fully experience the true nature of each grape variety. Some individuals might be skeptical of an unoaked wine, and it does seem a bit meddlesome to use stainless steel instead of the more traditional oak barrel; however, this wine presents itself with a full-bodied, fruit-forward punch all facilitated by its wood-free aging. Although this process is lacking tradition, that soggy wood flavor is also absent, leaving behind an unadulterated, balanced, and crisp flavor. Simply Naked offers an unoaked Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon all for under $10. The bottle is pretty sexy, too.
          Perfect for an outdoor summer picnic, Simply Naked Chardonnay delivers a crisp and refreshing semi-dry flavor. Its unoaked charm is reflected by full, straightforward flavors of green apple, ripe honeydew melon, and the subtle, earthy sweetness of wild honey. Sure to be appreciated by both novice wine drinkers and wine enthusiasts, this chardonnay finishes smooth with a low acidity and a lingering velvety sweetness. It does have a relatively high alcohol content at 13.5%, but it’s so smooth you’ll never notice, and its a great choice for sharing with friends. The flavor profiles are most notable when served chilled around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chardonnay pairs well with light pasta dishes, spicy Asian cuisine, grilled seafood, lighter proteins, or simply on its own. For more information on Simply Naked wines check out the website.