Tabali Pedegroso Gran Reserva Chardonnay

Established in 2002, Tabali is a pioneer and iconic winery situated in Limari­, on the edge of the Atacama Desert in one of the northernmost vineyard regions of Chile. They were one of the first wineries to settle in Limarí and their wines faithfully reflect their place of origin in which climate and soils play a fundamental role, and bring out the potential of each of their vineyards.

Tabali is the only winery that produces wines that cross Chile from east to west in the same valley (D.O.), from their incredibly high and remote site of Roca Madre (second highest vineyard in Chile) in the Andes Mountains' Rio Hurtado area down to their cool climate, 'Camanchaca' fog blanked vineyards by the Pacific Ocean. In their quest for the perfection, they now also have a site in the renowned Cabernet and Merlot region of Maipo Valley. The result is a range of truly distinctive wines with elegance, restraint and minerality which the dynamic team of Felipe Muller (winemaker) and Hector Rojas (viticulturalist) have attributed to their cabinet full of the wine world’s most prestigious trophies. In 2014, Felipe Muller was name 'Chilean Young Winemaker of the Year' and acclaimed for his ability to understand Tabali´s distinctive terroir and use it to create remarkable wines, unique to Chile.

Tabali also has the honour of stewardship of the Limarí Valleys most significant archaeological sites, the mystical Valle del Encanto (Enchanted Valley) which borders their vineyards. A sacred site of the ancient Molle and Diaguita culture, the many rock drawings and carved Tacita stones depict an ancient way of life. The Tabalí mask logo has been taken from one of these rock carvings, which can only be seen at certain times of day when the suns alignment makes them magically appear.

Chardonnay,

The vineyard is located in the coastal part of the valley. This is an alluvial terrace interrupted by great ravines formed long ago by rivers that today are dry but have ample vegetation at their base. In the coastal area where this vineyard is located (24km from the sea), the alluvial terrace reveals different levels of clay at the surface. This gives way to a matrix of alluvial soil (volcanic rock which was rounded by erosion as it was carried many kilometres from high up in the mountains). This soil is very stony but has veins of limestone in the form of dust, mainly consisting of calcium carbonate. The limestone rocks in the high peaks of the Andes mountains were dragged by melting ice to the lower parts of the valley and deposited there as dust mixed with alluvial soil. This phenomenon is what marks the Limari Valley as immediately different from Chile's other wine regions, as limestone produces very refreshing, mineral wines in a style quite different to those from the rest of the country, even cool areas.

The harvest began in late March, when this variety had reached the optimum aromatic and phenolic ripeness. Later the clusters were carefully selected. 100% of the grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks. Ageing in stainless steel tanks.

Powerful and intense on the nose with mineral aromas, ripe fresh pineapple and hazelnuts. The palate is full-bodied with nice acidity and freshness. The fine finesse is due to the small proportion of the blend that is barrel fermented. The finish is long and satisfying, and elegantly poised.

Great with roast chicken and fish dishes - perhaps Vietnamese steamed trout?