Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2022

Since its foundation in 1874 at the foot of the Andes, the Tarapacá winery has produced wines that reflect the combination of its more than century-old tradition and contemporary elegance. Currently, Tarapacá enjoys wide international recognition, which allows it to position itself as one of the Chilean wineries with the longest trajectory and tradition.

The vineyards located 12 km from the Pacific coast benefit from a cool climate . Cloudy mornings with constant cool breezes from the ocean maintain an average temperature below 22 °C during the day, conditions that give the vineyard marine qualities. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their flavors, aromas and natural acidity, while also giving them a saline character. The grapes used for this cuvée are carefully harvested by hand . After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the must. Fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness and in French oak barrels to add complexity. This dual approach balances the fruity notes with subtle oak touches, without overpowering the natural character of the wine. This wine then ages for approximately 8 to 10 months in French oak barrels. This wine reveals aromas of pineapple, mango, citrus, green apple, pear, toasted hazelnut, brioche bread. The palate is smooth, with a nice acidity, a nice balance and a fresh and persistent finish.

It was Hernán Cortés who ordered, upon the conquest of Mexico, the cultivation of vines in 1524. It gradually extended from Mexico southwards to reach Chile in 1555. During the first 3 centuries of colonization, there was no Cultivated in Chile as país, a black grape variety without character and very productive. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that noble varieties were introduced: mainly cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Twenty years later, winemaking was modernized under the leadership of wealthy owners and French experts who were forced into unemployment by phylloxera in Europe. Chile stretches 4,300 kilometers from north to south. It is wedged between the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, the Patagonian plains and glaciers to the south. These natural barriers prevented phylloxera from entering the country. Although the country is only 160 kilometers wide, it has ideal conditions for growing warm, intermediate and cool grape varieties, so much so that it is often described as a paradise for growing grapes. With nearly 300 properties producing bottled wines, Chile fluctuates between 6th and 8th place in the world.