I often think of chardonnay as the most loved and most hated wine. In the U.S. it is the most sold varietal, period. Out of all the white wine and red wine varietals, more chardonnay is sold than any other varietal. This is a pretty good indication that a lot of people love it.
But with that much chardonnay being produced it’s also likely that a lot of bad chardonnay is out there. And a lot of wine lovers I know avoid chardonnay like the plague. The most common complaint I hear is “too much oak.” It’s true, an over-oaked chardonnay can taste like a wet board, which isn’t a good thing.
Not all chardonnay is over-oaked. Some chardonnay isn’t oaked at all. Sometimes referred to as “naked chardonnay,” it’s produced in stainless steel resulting in a bright, fresh expression of this varietal.
This Natura chardonnay from Emiliana is one such wine. Not only is it un-oaked, it’s made from organic grapes grown in the Casablanca Valley in Chile. And it’s delicious.
I love the nose on this chardonnay. It reveals a wide array of aromas, such as peach, lemon, banana, melon and even some green grass aromas — which I would normally associate with a sauvignon blanc. It’s delicious on the palate too, delivering rich peach, melon and apple flavors with crisp acidity and a nice mouthfeel. Apple and peach flavors linger on the finish.
Wine: Emiliana Natura Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 88
Price: $10.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
Want another opinion? Check out these reviews:
I actually enjoyed this one. Dry, smooth and of good value. Very drinkable as far as Chilean wine goes.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jason. I totally agree.