RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Chardonnay From Itata Valley

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inWineTags:, , , , , ,

Chilean Chardonnay encountered this year has been less than impressive. Before writing it off it deserves a couple more chances.

We try a Pandolfi Price Larkün 2018 Chardonnay from Chile’s Valle Del Itata. The Itata Valley is Chile’s oldest viticultural region which has been producing wine for more than 450 years. Its abundant rainfall and rich red soils favor traditional varietals such as Pais and Moscatel de Alejandría but finer more export friendly varietals such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon also flourish in the region.

Aroma: Has that classic pear and apple component one would expect from a Chardonnay so it passes the basic test of a stainless-steel Chardonnay. A bit of a lemon lime as well.

Palate: Run of the mill Chardonnay with acids under control. Pear, guava with some very faint white grapefruit on a medium length finish. Clean and simple lacking any faults.

Personality: Simple and straightforward. Sometimes simple is good.

Food Match: Yes Parmesan cheese!

Price: $19.95 (CDN).

RKS 2023 Wine: 89/100. Jamessuckling.com 93.

(Pandolfi Price Larkün 2018 Chardonnay 2018 D.O. Valle Del Itata, Agricola Santa Inés, Nuble, Chile, 750 mL, 14%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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