Casablanca, Chile

100% Chardonnay

The 2008 winter saw a return of the rain after a very dry and cold winter the previous year. Spring was dryer than normal and there were perfect conditions of flowering and berry set. So the vintage 2009 started with a very nice potential. Summer was hot and Atalayas had an average temperature of 82°F. We harvested our Chardonnay one week in advance on March 16th during the night in order to preserve all those great aromas from Casablanca.

We want to enhance the best fruit that Casablanca offers with bright acidity and the touch of complexity from the oak. We hand harvested the grapes from our own Atalayas Vineyard at night, and those grapes from our contracted producers in early hours of the morning, in small cases of 12 kilos and sent them in refrigerated trucks to our winery in Colchagua. We fermented 68% of the juice in stainless steel tanks in order to preserve the freshness of the fruit. 32% was fermented in oak and just 20% of it was aged for 7 months in new and used french oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation was employed.

Color: Bright light yellow with subtle flecks of lime.Nose: Expressive aromas of tropical fruit, sweet citrus fruit and white flowers.Palate: Good volume and density, with vivid acidity and a long lasting finish.Service and Food Pairing: Serve cold at 50-53 °F. The ideal companion for appetizers and sea food.