2023 Chivite Gran Vino Colección 125 Chardonnay, Navarra
An iconic Spanish Chardonnay – complex, elegant, and age-worthy, with fruit, acidity, and finesse in perfect balance
History and Winery
Chivite is one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious wineries, founded in 1647 and still family-owned through 11 generations. The Colección 125 series was launched in 1985 as a tribute to the estate's 125th anniversary of its first export and stands today as Chivite's flagship series. This Chardonnay is produced from the high-altitude Finca Legardeta vineyard in Tierra Estella, where a cool microclimate and chalk-rich soil provide intensity, minerality, and freshness. The wine is considered one of Spain’s most elegant barrel-aged white wines.
Grapes and Vinification
- 100% Chardonnay – selected grapes from Finca Legardeta (approx. 480 m a.s.l.)
- Hand-harvested clusters with strict selection
- Fermentation in French oak barrels (225 L) – partially new barrels
- 12 months of aging “sur lie” in oak for structure, creaminess, and complexity
- Minimal filtration to preserve the wine’s natural texture
Terroir and Origin
Region: Navarra, Northern Spain
Soil: Clay and limestone – provides both power and mineral finesse
The cool, continental climate, influenced by the Pyrenees, preserves the grape's acidity and freshness, while the dry, sunny spring and autumn create intense aroma concentration. This terroir is reminiscent of northern Burgundy, making the area ideal for Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
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Aroma: Citrus, white flowers, pear, toasted almond, and a hint of vanilla
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Palate: Elegant and complex – fresh citrus and peach balanced by a creamy texture and subtle oak
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Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and refined with fresh acidity and a long, mineral, and lightly toasted finish
Serving and Food Pairing
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
- Grilled fish, scallops, or shellfish in a butter and lemon sauce
- Poultry with mushrooms and cream
- Risotto with parmesan or truffle
- Mature, soft cheeses – e.g., Comté, Brie de Meaux, or Saint Nectaire
