PengWine Magellan Chardonnay 2005
Region: Chiles Valley
Winery: PengWine
Variety: Chardonnay

Overview
The style that we chose for this wine was decided on the current trends that are moving away from heavily oaked and pronounced vanilla, Chardonnays. We opted for a light fruity style, with a view to the consumers who have grown tired of Chardonnays that are only good for one glass and that are hard to pair with any light sea food as delicate sole, king crab, lobster and shrimp.
Vintage
The vineyard is located in the Maipo Valley, at its westernmost end, just 17 miles from the ocean. Here, the climate is warm with cool Pacific Ocean breezes and the occasional morning fog that bring otherwise hot temperatures down. In 2005 we had good weather throughout the whole growing season and late summer while we harvested. The grapes and bunches developed nicely and no pests were detected so there was no need to spray the vines. In January we green harvested,cutting immature and extra bunches and discarded them to reduce yields and help the vines concentrated on just two bunches per vine. Harvest began in early March. All harvesting was done by hand, only selecting whole ripe bunches.
Vinification
The grapes were picked in the early morning and then destemmed and crushed, cold fermentation followed for about two days. Free flow juice was then extracted to produce the wine. The Chardonnay juices were separated into two separate batches for fermentation where the average temperature was 23ºC and lasted ten days. After the primary fermentation, a small portion of the wine (5%) was transferred to small French oak barrels and the secondary (Malolactic) fermentation was encouraged. The rest of the wine was split 60-40% in the steel tanks. The smaller of the two underwent Malolactic fermentation in steel tanks. This process added a touch of vanilla and smoothness. All the wine spent two months on their lees to add a degree of complexity in the form of toasted bread aromas and flavors. Finally the wine was mixed into a single blend.
Tasting Notes
The wine has a beautiful light yellow color with green hues. It is clear and shows youthfulness. Magellan Chardonnay has wonderful aromas of apples and pears, accented with light toasted bread. On the palate the wine is dry and exhibits a balanced acidity with very good fruit character, apple flavors; with a very light hint of vanilla. The wine feels fresh and light on the palate. The finish is long and fruity.
Food Pairing Notes
An excellent companion to lighter seafood dishes that need a wine to complement them, not overpower them.
Reviews
“Good Buy” with 82 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October2006
Tasting Notes - PDF

Posted by thewinery on December 2nd, 2007 at 5:57pm | report comment