Pandolfi Price, Larkun Chardonnay, Valle del Itata, 2021

Unoaked, but given weight and creaminess by extended ageing on the lees. This is such a classy wine, similar to, though better value than, a very superior Mâcon. Honeyed aromas over lime depths. Beautifully ripe, showing a panoply of green fruits with notes of fresh pineapple and tangerine. Generous weight – a creamy nuttiness. Great drive and a super fresh finish.

250 miles south of Santiago and near the cool Pacific coast, is perfect for Chardonnay. It’s relatively temperate - the harvest is in April - and plentiful rainfall negates the need for irrigation. old vines, planted in the mid 1990s on granular, decomposed volcanic soils. Winemaker François Massoc is probably the most adept in Chile with the grape: he also makes the Aristos Chardonnay, amongst the grandest in the country. Born just down the road in Concepcion, he spent years studying in Dijon and making wine in Burgundy before returning to Chile. He assists with advice in the vineyard, chooses the best parcels for the family’s wine, likes to work with long, slow fermentations, and knows barrels backwards.

Country: Chile 

Region: Itata Valley

Vintage: 2021

Grape Variety: Chardonnay 

ABV: 14%

Size: 750ml 

Producer: Pandolfi Price