Estate Reserva Chardonnay 2024

Located in the Colchagua Valley, in the heart of Chile's Central Valley wine region, the vineyards for this cuvée flourish in a Mediterranean climate tempered by the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. The Chardonnay vines are primarily planted around the municipality of Peralillo, on well-drained alluvial and colluvial soils, a blend of clay, sand, and gravel. This diversity of terroirs, combined with cool nights and sunny days, promotes slow ripening of the grapes and preserves their natural freshness.

The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested, then sorted and destemmed before gentle pressing. The must is settled at a low temperature, and alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic freshness. Part of the wine is then aged on its fine lees in tanks, with periodic stirring to add volume and complexity, while a portion may be aged in oak barrels before final blending and bottling.

This wine reveals notes of green apple , crisp pear , and citrus , complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle minerality that adds tension. Discreet hints of tropical fruit emerge with aeration, supported by a touch of sweet spice from partial oak aging. On the palate, the texture is fresh and balanced , driven by lively acidity, a supple mid-palate, and a clean, medium-length finish that leaves a sensation of purity and precision.

It was Hernán Cortés who ordered the cultivation of vines upon the conquest of Mexico in 1524. It gradually spread from Mexico southward, reaching Chile in 1555. During the first three centuries of colonization, only país, a characterless and very productive black grape variety, was cultivated in Chile. It was not until the mid-19th century that noble varieties were introduced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, mainly. Twenty years later, winemaking was modernized under the impetus of wealthy landowners and French experts who had been forced out of work by phylloxera in Europe. Chile stretches 4,300 kilometers from north to south. It is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, and the Patagonian plains and glaciers to the south. These natural barriers prevented phylloxera from entering the country. Although the country is only 160 kilometers wide, it enjoys ideal conditions for growing grape varieties from warm, intermediate, and cool regions, so much so that it is often described as a vineyard paradise. With nearly 300 estates producing bottled wines, Chile ranks between 6th and 8th in the world.