Santa Rita Floresta Chardonnay 2023
Santa Rita Floresta Chardonnay 2023 is a dry, medium-bodied white from Chardonnay (Colchagua Valley, Chile), in the rich, round whites style. Acidity is fresh; oak influence is some. Good with shellfish, creamy pasta, roast chicken, turkey. Drink now or within 10 years (to about 2033). No need to decant. Critic score 94/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greywacke Chardonnay 2023 Greywacke · Marlborough | £25.43 | |||
| Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc, Rollin Père et Fils 2023 Domaine Rollin Père et Fils · Burgundy | £25.50 | |||
| Domaine Potinet-Ampeau Bourgogne Blanc 2020 Domaine Potinet-Ampeau · Burgundy | £25.50 | |||
| Meerlust, Chardonnay 2024 Meerlust · Stellenbosch | £25.50 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Don Domingo Fernández Concha in 1880, Viña Santa Rita is one of Chile's most renowned and popular wineries, named 2025 Best Winery in the World by Forbes magazine. In 1980, the company was acquired by the Claro Group, which made several investments and significant renovations. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from two plots located in the Punitaqui area, not far from the Atacama Desert. Here, the vines enjoy a unique microclimate influenced by the strategic location between the desert and the Pacific Ocean, with cool sea breezes and morning mists. The soil is alluvial and rich in calcium carbonate. After harvesting and fermenting in French oak, the wine ages on the lees for 18 months in French oak (half of which is new). In the glass, Floresta Chardonnay displays a pale, bright straw-yellow color. Its aromatic profile is broad and fresh, with notes of citrus, pear, and peach interspersed with floral notes and mineral touches. On the palate, it is rich and smooth, fresh and complex, with a creamy texture and a crisp, refreshing acidity. The finish is long and elegant. When pairing with food, this wine is very versatile: it's excellent with lobster, scallop risotto, creamy chicken, roast turkey, and baked Camembert.