Region: Casablanca Valley, Chile

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Tasting notes: This 100% Chardonnay comes from a single vineyard named "Refugio" in the Casablanca Valley. The nose is vibrant with hints of orange blossoms, ripe white peaches, grilled pineapple, and toasted hazelnut. Baked apricots and honeydew melon dance on a medium bodied palate with a light but creamy finish. A very layered wine with rich fruit and a clean, crisp finish.

Producer: Montsecano is quietly becoming one of the preeminent cult wine producers of Chile. A collaboration of photographer Julio Donoso and the revolutionary Alsatian winemaker Andre Ostertag. This Biodynamic Winery consists of two hillside, granitic, small vineyards in the Casablanca Valley. A minimal approach is used in the horse-plowed vineyard and winery. The wines are made exclusively in stainless steel micro tanks or concrete egg fermenters. No oak is used. The small production consists of two Pinot Noirs which are quickly being recognized as some of the best of South America.

Vineyard and Winemaking: While many believe that Julio and Andre produce two of the most highly regarded expressions of Pinot Noir in all of Chile, their Chardonnay is less known but also amazing. Julio and Andre incorporate a philosophical aspect that goes deeper than the vine and the energy is manifested on the property and in the bottle.  Since 2017, Dominique Derain has contributed to the winemaking process, and it is not uncommon for other winemakers from around the world to lend a hand during harvest.