Chardonnay
The vintage
A winter with moderate rainfall gave way to a spring of average temperatures, with a frost episode affecting the vineyard because it is an early budding variety. At the end of spring, temperatures began to rise and remained above average throughout the summer, turning the season into a hot year, similar to 2019.The harvest began on March 6th and ended on March 17th. The challenges imposed by a hot year forced usto react quickly and ensure the aromatic intensity and freshness so important in this wine.
Location
The grapes grown in the coastal valley of San Antonio. Here, the soils of granitic origin benefit from good drainage and low nutrient content, forcing the roots to explore more deeply. These characteristics, combined with the influence of the Pacific Ocean less than 20 kilometres away, allow the grapes to ripen slowly, thus preserving their acidity and aromatic typicity.
Terroir
The constant search for different terroirs led us to the Aconcagua Region, where the grapes used to make Chagual Chardonnay come from.
Two valleys meet into this wine. Casablanca, providing a fruity component and a more unctuous mouthfeel, and San Antonio, where expression and acidity stand out.
The distance from the vineyards to the sea is less than 20 km and the granitic soils, with good drainage and low nutrient content, forces the roots to explore deeper.
These conditions allow the grapes to ripen slowly, obtaining a great aromatic expression of this variety.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed, cooled and placed into the press, where they are macerated for up to 8 hours. After maceration, the must is drained and pressing begins. The must is not protected from oxygen, in order to generate a more golden colour and riper aromatic notes.
After cold decanting, fermentation begins in stainless steel tanks with temperatura reaching up to 15°C. After fermentation, the vats are kept on their lees for 2 to 3 months, in order to add volume. A 10% of the blend is aged for 6 months in French oak barrels of first and second use.
Finally, the wine is blended and stored in stainless steel tanks.
Tasting
Straw yellow in colour with golden rims.
Fresh on the nose, it starts with exotic notes of banana and pineapple evolving towards more complex notes of flint and dried fruits.
On the palate it is a balanced wine with a good volume and acidity. The oak adds creaminess and persistence.
Alcohol content
13.9
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %