Grape: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13% abv
Type: Dry White
Vintage: 2024
Format: 75cl
Sub-Region: D.O. Valle de Casablanca
Region: Valle de Aconcagua
Country: Chil
Villard Fine Wines
Villard Fine Wines is a family-owned winery located in the Casablanca Valley in Chile, one of the country’s most important cool-climate wine regions. The winery was founded in 1989 by French winemaker Thierry Villard, who recognized the potential of Casablanca Valley for producing high-quality wines influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. At the time, the region was still developing as a wine area, and Villard became one of its pioneers by establishing one of the first boutique wineries in the valley.
The estate is now run by the second generation of the Villard family, particularly Thierry’s son Jean-Charles (Charlie) Villard, who continues to develop the winery while maintaining its family-owned philosophy. Over the years, Villard Fine Wines has built a reputation as one of the leading producers in the Casablanca Valley, known for its focus on quality, craftsmanship, and expressing the character of the region’s terroir.
The vineyards are located in the foothills of the coastal mountain range, about 35 km from the Pacific Ocean, where cool sea breezes and morning fog influenced by the Humboldt Current moderate temperatures. These conditions create an ideal environment for cool-climate grape varieties. As a result, Villard produces wines from grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Semillón, which benefit from the valley’s slow ripening conditions and fresh acidity.
Today, Villard Fine Wines continues to combine traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovation. The winery focuses on producing elegant wines that reflect the unique coastal terroir of Casablanca Valley, while also offering wine tourism experiences, tastings, and gastronomy at the estate. Its commitment to quality and family heritage has helped it remain one of the most respected boutique wineries in the region.
Chardonnay Expresión Reserve
The Chardonnay Expresión Reserve is a cool-climate Chardonnay that reflects the strong maritime influence of the region. The grapes are grown in vineyards influenced by the Pacific Ocean, where cool breezes, morning fog, and moderate temperatures allow the fruit to ripen slowly. These conditions help preserve freshness and acidity while developing delicate aromas and balanced structure, which are characteristic of Chardonnay from Casablanca Valley.
100% aged in stainless steel tanks for 7 months. Aged on its fine lees, with lees suspension, for 2 months. In appearance, the wine shows a bright pale yellow colour. On the nose, it offers elegant aromas of tropical and citrus fruits, such as pineapple, peach, and lemon. These aromas create a complex and refined bouquet that reflects both the fruit and the winemaking process.
On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a smooth and creamy texture, balanced by fresh acidity. Flavors of ripe fruit, citrus combine to create a well-structured wine with good balance and complexity. The finish is typically long and elegant, with lingering fruit and subtle mineral notes, making it a representative example of a high-quality cool-climate Chilean Chardonnay.
Region
The Casablanca Valley is one of Chile’s most important cool-climate wine regions, located about 75 km northwest of Santiago between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains. Its climate is strongly influenced by the nearby ocean, which gives the valley a cool Mediterranean climate with pronounced maritime influence. Cool air from the Pacific, particularly from the cold Humboldt Current, brings morning fog and afternoon breezes into the valley, moderating temperatures and preventing excessive heat during the growing season. This cooling effect allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and developing fresh, aromatic flavors.
Climate & Terroir
One of the key climatic features of Casablanca Valley is the presence of morning fog and frequent cloud cover, which extend the growing season and protect the grapes from intense sunlight. Despite being located relatively close to the equator compared with many European wine regions, these maritime influences create conditions suitable for producing cool-climate wines. The valley also experiences noticeable day-night temperature differences, which help grapes maintain balance between sugar development and acidity. As a result, the region is particularly known for varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, which thrive in cooler environments.
The terroir of Casablanca Valley is shaped by its coastal location, rolling hills, and diverse soils. Many vineyards are planted on sandy, clay, or granitic soils, which are generally well drained and moderately fertile. These soils encourage vines to develop deeper root systems and help control vine vigor, leading to smaller berries with concentrated flavors. The valley’s gently sloping hillsides also allow good sun exposure while still benefiting from cooling ocean winds.
Overall, the combination of cool maritime climate, morning fog, moderate temperatures, and well-drained soils makes Casablanca Valley one of Chile’s most distinctive wine terroirs. These conditions produce wines that are typically fresh, aromatic, and balanced, with vibrant acidity and refined fruit flavors. Because of this unique terroir, the valley has become internationally recognized as a leading region for cool-climate white wines and elegant Pinot Noir.
Ideal drinking temperature 10° Celsius.
