Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay La Escultura Estate

Wine information: Errazuriz Estate was founded in 1870 when Don Maximiano Errazuriz planted his first vineyards at Panquehue in the Aconcagua Valley - 100km North of the capital. Today, the tradition of quality lives on with Don Maximiano's descendant Eduardo Chadwick. Eduardo is the fifth generation of his family to be involved in the wine business. Errazuriz's philosophy is best expressed by Don Maximiano who said, "From the best land, the best wine." Viña Errazuriz believe in the concept of 'terroir' and strive to produce the finest wines by controlling every stage of the winemaking process, from grape growing in the Aconcagua, Casablanca and Curico valleys, to winemaking with the most natural techniques. Located west of Santiago and just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the Casablanca Valley enjoys a coastal influence that moderates temperatures during the ripening period. The fresh sea breeze enables easy, gradual ripening that encourages the conservation of the grapes’ aromas and flavours and ensures desirable levels of acidity. These conditions make the Casablanca Valley a privileged place for producing cool climate varieties such as Chardonnay. Wild fermentation is a process carried out using native yeasts. Since the yeasts are not selected using technological criteria (SO2 resistance, alcohol resistance, etc), they experience higher stress during fermentation. This effect and the presence of a greater variety of yeast strains produces different concentrations and proportions of by products, adding distinctive flavours –and therefore more complexity– to the wine. Aged “sur-lie” for 10 months in French oak barrels (17% new).

Tasting Notes: Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay is light straw yellow in colour and is particularly complex on the nose and palate. With good intensity, it delivers notes that range from toast to nuts to aromas that recall tropical fruits such as pineapple and cherimoya. There’s a light touch of smoke and ash lingering in the background that lead to an outstanding palate that nicely blends crisp acidity with a sweetish sensation. Medium-bodied and creamy on the palate, with flavours that are consistent with the nose. Fresh and elegant, with a delightfully long finish.

Food & drink match: Try with grilled and roasted white meats and mild, creamy, cheeses.

 
     

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