Viu Manent Chardonnay

At WineCollective, we're all about scouring the globe in search of lesser-known grapes, regions, and wineries that we believe should be in the spotlight, and a recent example is the excellent Viu Manent. Chilean wines in general are criminally overlooked, as the country's position between the Andes and the Pacific make for an ideal grape-growing environment with a variety of subregions and microclimates. Cold snowmelt from the mountains provides ample irrigation, and cooling Pacific breezes extend the growing season and allow for perfectly-ripened grapes to thrive with little to no pressure from disease.

Established in 1935 and owned by the same family ever since, Viu Manent's wines are excellent example of quality-focused Chilean viticulture. The estates vineyards are located in the cool Colchagua valley, and were purchased by the family in 1966, though some of the plantings are well over 100 years old! These old vines make wines of great intensity and concentration. Their Reserve Chardonnay should be enjoyed over the next few years at a cool 10 C.