Encantador – Airen Chardonnay – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
The Encantador wines are as charming as their Spanish origins. From the country that gave us Gaudi, Blahnik, Almodovar and Iniesta, we give you…Encantador! Now you see it, now you don’t!! The quirky presentation is a nod to the current trend for a twist of the unconventional; capturing the irony and sense of humour that is the essence of this latest labelling vogue. Yes, it’s a bit edgy, and it’s a bit off the wall! The innovative team of winemakers have been busy crafting the quality fruit into wines bursting with fresh flavours and finesse. We think it’s good to try something a little off the wall every now and then, one sip and you’ll be charmed.

VINEYARD:
The grapes come from carefully selected vineyards in the DO Uclés, in Central Castile. The majority of the grapes are from lower yielding, dry-farmed, old vines that are grown using organic preparations. The vineyards are managed and cultivated following a sustainable ethos. The climate is continental with warm summers and cold winters. The temperature difference between the warm days and cooler night promotes a long ripening period, encouraging the grapes to develop rich varietal characteristics while retaining balancing acidity. The average rainfall is approximately 500 millimetres per year.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were picked at night and in the early morning hours and immediately taken to the state-of-the-art winery for a short pre-fermentation cold maceration. The grapes were pneumatically pressed and fermented in stainless steel at approximately 16°C to preserve the pure fruit flavours. Malolactic fermentation was prevented by chilling, retaining a crisp character to the wine.

TASTING NOTE:
Intense aromas of starfruit and pear surround a subtle mineral note. Medium bodied, with good fruit concentration, a round, juicy mouth feel and a long, refreshing finish.

GRAPE:
Airen 85%, Chardonnay 15%.

COUNTRY:
Spain

REGION:
Central Castile

SUB-REGION:
Ucles