Chilean Chardonnay Matters

The world’s most popular white wine is produced from the Chardonnay grape. It is named after an old Gallic village in the Mâcon Region of Burgundy called Cardonacum, a Latin word meaning “place full of thistles” – Chardon in French. William Fèvre was an icon French Burgundy producer famous for his Chablis wines that must be produced exclusively from the Chardonnay grape. He set up a French/Chilean joint venture winery bearing the family name in Chile more than 25 years ago. They imported Chardonnay rootstock from his own vineyards in Chablis. The name given to this line of Chardonnay, Espino, refers to vines grown in and around nettles and briars which border the property. When William passed away a number of years ago, the winery and vineyards reverted to Chilean ownership. Fermented bone dry with less than 2 gm/l of residual sugar, it is aged exclusively in stainless steel. With subtle hints of almond, additional notes of citrus and stone fruits come through in the bouquet. Serve with scallops or baked salmon. At this time of year, these seafoods, caught in the cold waters off the coast of Chile, are probably what’s available in the seafood sections of Canadian supermarkets. A perfect land and sea pairing

2023 Casa Fèvre Espino Reserva Especial Chardonnay LCBO # 350058, $16.95