Viu Manent, Gran Reserva, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2013

For its red wines, Viu Manent obtains its fruit from the central area of the Colchagua Valley, where the high temperatures give early maturity and a gentle softness to their wines. For their whites, however, they prefer to buy grapes from closer to the coast, where cold sea breezes enable higher acidity and freshness. This Chardonnay is from Casablanca, 100km north of Colchagua on the coast of the Central Valley, and the marine influence is felt in the wine’s bright acidity, surrounded by ripe white fruit flavours. It’s a voluptuous, round and unctously ripe Chardonnay that still shows an elegant side.   Patricio Tapia <br /> This is round and sexy, with luminous acidity to balance beautifully with the with super-ripe fruit.   Dirceu Vianna Jr MW <br /> Classy and seductive with profound mineral and flinty edges combining with notes of vibrant and citrus fruits as well as fresh dough. Pleasant texture and savoury flavours, with a mouthwatering finish. Elegant and delicate Chardonnay.