Andes Plateau Cota 700 Chardonnay Maule Valley, Chile – 2021

Andes Plateau winery is based in San Fernando in the Colchagua Valley, but the individual vineyards are based in different regions and at varying altitudes in the Andes mountains.

Sourced from a tiny mountainside vineyard of half a hectare on volcanic soils in the Maule Valley.

This has enticing aromas of exotic fruit, peaches and honeysuckle. On the palate it has a real bite of acidity which persists onto the long finish. The fruit tastes initially quite restrained but the wine opens up explosively on the mid palate and finishes with a vibrant, mineral stoniness.  Gentle brioche and butterscotch flavours from its ageing in oak barrels add interest and complexity. 13.7% alcohol.

Enjoy on its own or with white meats or fish in a creamy sauce.

Around 250 cases were produced. Drink now – 2027

Awarded 95pts by Alistair Campbell MW and his “best white wine from Chile in 2023”.

“The white 2021 700 Chardonnay was produced with grapes from Maule selected from a plot of 20-year-old vines on colluvial soils with volcanic material and red clay that produced a more vertical wine with higher and persistent acidity. The juice from the whole clusters fermented in an oxidative way with indigenous yeasts and without added sulfur, never exceeding 19 degrees Celsius. It matured in second and third-use 500-liter French oak barrels and concrete vats for 13 months. It has 13.9% alcohol, a very low pH (2.97) and notable acidity (6.67 grams of tartaric acid). The oak is neatly integrated, and the wine shows varietal character with elegance and precision. It feels very dry and vibrant with lively acidity and finishes very tasty and long. A Chardonnay of purity and precision.” 94/100 Wine Advocate