A Chilean (Rapel Valley) Chardonnay

A Chilean (Rapel Valley) Chardonnay: A Chilean (Rapel Valley) Chardonnay


OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Santa Carolina Chardonnay 2009 13.0% alcohol about $7

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Light lemon color; Vanilla, slightly tropical aromas and flavors with subdued apple notes: Dry, medium-bodied, with well balanced acidity and a tangy lemon finish. Serving Suggestion: Light seafood; pasta salads, southern fried chicken; veal. And now for my review.

I want to mention after several problems I was happy to deal with a twist off cap that easily twists off. At the first sips I noted pleasant acidity with the taste of apples and lemons. The Chardonnay was ever so slightly sweet. The first meal was a quite dry honey and garlic barbecued chicken breast. In response the wine’s acidity intensified and was not totally pleasant. A moister barbecued chicken wing rendered the Chardonnay round and mellow. When it accompanied potatoes roasted in chicken fat, the wine’s acidity once again became enjoyable. In the presence of Moroccan style carrots with cumin and sliced green olives the wine weakened. Its pairing with fruit juice candy was not a marriage made in heaven; the Chardonnay was almost gutted but there was some fruit.

This review of a Chilean Chardonnay continues on my website.