Chile is generally not the first place I think of when choosing a sparkling wine. For value, I prefer Cava. Some twenty-something friends, however, recently tried this inexpensive ($7 in Panama) sparkling wine and liked it; and I appreciate the overall quality of Undurraga’s winemaking at all levels. Let’s see what we have . . .
This is made from 100% Chardonnay, and unlike the Brut is made using the Charmat method. The grapes came from the Valle Central.
While uncorking, it had a decent amount of pressure in the bottle. Large bubbles. Indistinct aromas of white fruit, melon, flowers lead to tasting, yes, a Demi-sec. It’s sweet while I’m used to drinking Brut or Nature sparklers. Behind the sweetness is a lot of peach and maybe some Gala apple. The bubbles dissipate . . .
Overall, this would make a grand, cheap aperitif wine on a hot Panama summer day. A good entry-level wine for Gen Z. What is it they used to say about gateway drugs. This is a gateway wine.
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