The 2011 Epica Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay sourced from Vina San Pedro’s sustainably farmed vineyards in the Casablanca and Curico Valley’s in the Central Valley of Chile. Epica is one of Vina San Pedro’s value lines of wine, Vina San Pedro was named New World Winery of the Year for 2011 by Wine Enthusiast. The 2011 vintage in Chile was unusually cool allowing the grapes to develop and ripen slowly and fully. This Chardonnay is produced with minimal manipulation, allowing the true flavors of the fruit to shine. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is pale extra virgin olive oil yellow. The nose is green apple and melon with a little bright tropical fruit and a lightly floral edge. This is a soft, mellow Chardonnay with a full mouth feel. It tastes of melon, soft, not tart pineapple and lemon chiffon. The mid palate brings a light touch of minerality and a little green apple. The acidity is balanced and finish starts off strong, but fades quickly.
The 2011 Epica Chardonnay a fine Tuesday night wine, it is not exciting, but it does have a different flavor profile from the usual Chardonnay wines in this price range, I found it on sale for $7.99. A soft, rounded Chardonnay with just a touch of tart citrus, the flavor grows on you. On first sip, I wasn’t too sure, by 4th sip I was sure that the Epica is a tasty little Chardonnay.
