2010 Los Vascos Chardonnay

The South American wine renaissance took place in 19th century, thanks in part to well travelled, wealthy industrialists inspired by the vineyards of France, in particular Bordeaux. Fortuitously, for both the past and present industry, the Chilean Government of the time had previously been persuaded to establish an experimental nursery. All manner of exotic botanical species were collected, including more than 40,000 vines. It meant that Chile had its own collection of vinifera cuttings safely banked in viticultural isolation before the onset of the world's late 19th century scourges of powdery mildew and phylloxera. The first of these cuttings formed the foundation of the modern industry. Their introduction proved to be timely.

While the vine disease phylloxera devastated Europe, South American vineyards were rapidly expanding due to the sudden demand for 'Bordeaux-style' wines in Europe. At the same time, a class of 'gentlemen farmers' was emerging, some who had made significant fortunes on the continent's abundant mineral deposits, and who considered owning a vineyard as something of a status symbol, particularly if it were being managed by a refugee French vigneron displaced by the effects of phylloxera. No doubt, todays vine Barons would prefer collecting Grande Marque mechanical mistresses instead of French winemakers. But the French influence survives. No wholesaler margins apply to this direct shipment.
Tasting notes….
Brilliant very pale straw colour with watery hue. The nose displays lifted top notes of peach and tropical fruits followed by some melon and a touch of spice. Fruit driven palate with mouthfilling flavours of ripe peach and melon followed by a spicy back palate. Clean crisp dry finish with peach, melon and spice aftertaste. A very well made unoaked Chardonnay with spicy overtones.
Drink over the next 2-3 years (2011-2014).
Alc 14.0%