Echeverria Chardonnay Gran Reserva

Producer Note

Viña Echeverria is a family-run estate winery, owned and managed by the Echeverria family. Established in 1930, but with an agricultural heritage going back to the 1700s, Viña Echeverria is as much today, as always, driven by a shared passion for winemaking and an uncompromising search for excellence. Viña Echeverria combines nearly a century of viticulture and winemaking experience with a modern state-of-the-art winery, to produce a range of over 20 quality wines from nine different grape varieties. It has recently been awarded its Sustainable Winery status by Wines of Chile, as well as its ISO9000 certification.

Vineyard

The vineyard is located in the Casablanca Valley, a cool-climate coastal region close to the Pacific Ocean approximately 47 miles north of Santiago. The proximity to the sea results in a Mediterranean climate, with pronounced maritime influence. The cooling sea breeze from the cold Humboldt stream tempers the heat of the warm, sunny days and creates cool foggy mornings; ideal for top quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The soils are clay and sandy, which provide good drainage. Careful pruning is carried out to allow correct balance between canopy and fruit.

Winemaking

Whole clusters were pressed in a pneumatic press, followed by a static sedimentation for 24 to 36 hours at 8 to 10°C. Half the must was fermented in 225 litre French oak barrels for 15 days at temperatures of 18 to 20°C; while the remaining half was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 14-17°C for 25 days, with selected yeasts. Partial malolactic fermentation took place. The wine was aged on its fine lees in 225 litre French oak barrels, for 12 months.

Tasting Note

This charming and elegant Chardonnay has intense primary aromas of apricots and peaches, complemented by notes of vanilla and toffee. Rich yet fresh on the palate, it has a balancing acidity and flavours of dried fruit and pineapple, which carry through to a long finish.

Serving Suggestion

Pairs well with more robust or oily fish, such as trout, especially served with cream sauces. Complements risottos and roasted white meats such as veal or pork. Also try with Asian fish or seafood dishes.

Grape

Chardonnay 100%