Drinking naked is not as naughty as it sounds. The expression is actually a wine term of art that was coined by Australian winemakers. It refers to chardonnay wines that have been made without any oak. Other idioms include virgin, au natural, in-the-buff and birthday suit. You have to love Australian humor.

The first wines — both white and red — to be intentionally vinified by the ancient Romans were made and stored in clay jugs. As the Romans moved throughout Europe and the Middle East, a sturdier vessel was required to withstand the long journeys, so wooden barrels were fashioned to transport the wines. This new method quickly gained popularity for both its durability and for the subtle flavors — typically vanilla, buttered toast, brioche and smoky notes — that the wood imparted to the wine. In addition, the porous material allowed the wine to evolve as it aged and this quickly became the preferred method of making wines.