Chivite Colección 125 Blanco 2023

Chivite Coleccion 125 Blanco is a single-varietal Chardonnay from D.O. Navarra, part of the Coleccion 125 range created to mark the winery's 125th anniversary. The fruit is grown at the Legardeta estate in Villatuerta, on a north-facing plot at around 480 metres on poor soils. The north-facing aspect limits direct sun and the altitude brings cool nights, so the grapes ripen slowly and retain acidity and aromatic freshness, while the poor soils restrain vigour and concentrate the fruit. The wine is fermented and aged for twelve months in French oak barrels. Barrel fermentation integrates the oak into the wine rather than layering it on top, malolactic conversion softens the sharp malic acidity into rounder lactic acidity, and extended lees ageing builds a creamy, textured mid-palate. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows white peach, pear and citrus over vanilla, toasted bread and hazelnut from the barrel. The palate is broad and layered, with ripe orchard fruit and oak spice held together by fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white Burgundy glass. It suits richer fish, poultry and creamy dishes.