Undurraga Extra Brut, Valle de Leyda NV

This fresh, vibrant and fruity Blanc de Blancs reveals delicate aromas of citrus blossom and white floral notes over a creamy background.

Producer Note

Undurraga is one of Chile’s most prestigious wineries, consistently receiving high scores from top wine critics around the world. Founded in 1885, Undurraga owns 1,350 hectares of estate vineyard in Chile’s premium wine producing areas such as Leyda, Cauquenes and Itata. Head winemaker Rafael Urrejola has spent a great deal of time understanding the diversity of Chile’s vineyard sites; the result is the emblematic ‘Terroir Hunter’ range. Undurraga cultivates their vineyards with respect for the environment and follow a philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar in order to showcase the terroir.

Vineyard

The vineyard is situated in the Valle de Leyda, to the west of the Coastal Mountain range, 14 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. The cooling influence of the Pacific breezes and the summer morning coastal fog extend the grape's growing period. In the summer, the average temperatures rarely exceed 25°C and this ensures that the grapes ripen slowly, developing fresh and intense flavours and aromas and a lower potential alcohol content. The Chardonnay vines are planted in soils with a shallow clay surface profile and poor fertility, with a cracked clay sedimentary layer. The subsoil is decomposed granite rock and has a diverse mineral structure. The soil where the Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc vines are planted is very similar but it also has stone encrustations among the clay, which has excellent water retention properties to nourish the vines through the warm summer.

Winemaking

The hand-harvested clusters were pneumatically pressed. Each variety was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks for two weeks at temperatures of 14 to 18°C to maximise the varietal aromas and flavours. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was matured over its fine lees for around four months. The wines were blended and the liqueur de tirage was added prior to the secondary fermentation, which took place using the Charmat method. After the second fermentation, the wine remained over its lees for 75 days. The liqueur d'expédition was added prior to bottling.

Tasting Note

This fresh, vibrant Blanc de Blancs is pale golden in colour with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose reveals delicate aromas of citrus blossom and white floral notes over a mineral background. Pleasantly creamy mouthfeel with notes of brioche through to an exceptionally long finish.

Grape

Chardonnay 80%, Riesling 13%, Sauvignon Blanc 7%