Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2011

This chardonnay is from a vineyard at 443 feet above sea level on the south bank of the Limari River. The limited-production wine was fermented and then aged in French oak for eleven months. Striking minerals and pear aromas are synonymous with this part of the Limari Valley north of Santiago. The oak adds generous helpings of vanilla and hazelnut. With a full and vibrant palate, the crisp acidity grants it a long finish.

100% Chardonnay. Vinya Concha y Toro was established in 1883 by Don Melchor, a successful businessman who regularly traveled to Europe. He took vine cuttings from vineyards in Bordeaux and brought them back to his estate in the Maipo Valley, where he planted them. The rest, as they say, is history. With over 21,700 acres of vineyards in some of the best locations in both Chile and Argentina, Vinya Concha y Toro has complete control over wine quality from the planting of grape varieties to harvesting, cellaring, and bottling. This Chardonnay Special Reserve was created in tribute to the title conferred in 1718 by King Felipe V of Spain upon the Concha y Toro family. From a very limited production of their prime Puento Alto Vineyards in the Maipo Valley, this Chardonnay embodies Concha y Toro's culture and tradition in the art of winemaking.