Grey Chardonnay 2022 | Ventisquero | Chile

Wine Identification
The Grey Chardonnay is a white wine produced by Ventisquero, located in Chile. This specific vintage is from 2022 and originates from the Valle de Casablanca, in the Aconcagua region. It is part of Ventisquero’s "Grey" range, which focuses on single-vineyard expressions.

Origin and Winemaking
The grapes are sourced from the Valle de Casablanca, a sub-region within the broader Aconcagua area. This enclave is characterized by a cold climate shaped by morning fog from the Pacific Ocean and the Humboldt Current, creating significant diurnal temperature variation. The vineyards sit on granitic and sandy soils.

The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Vinification begins with whole-cluster pressing. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, utilizing a combination of new and used wood. A complete malolactic fermentation follows. The wine undergoes aging for 10 to 12 months on its lees, involving regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to enhance texture and complexity.

Tasting Profile
The winemaking techniques suggest a structured white wine with textural depth derived from malolactic fermentation and lees aging. The cold climate influence likely contributes to pronounced acidity and aromatic precision typical of Chardonnay grown in fog-influenced coastal regions.

Critics' Scores
The wine has received notable attention from international critics:
The Wine Advocate (Parker): 92 points
Tim Atkin: 93 points

Overall Character
Ventisquero’s Grey Chardonnay represents a refined example of Chilean white winemaking. By combining cold-climate viticulture in the Aconcagua region with traditional French oak fermentation and lees aging, the wine aims to deliver complexity and balance. The scores from The Wine Advocate and Tim Atkin indicate that this vintage successfully executes its technical approach, resulting in a polished and well-regarded expression of Chardonnay.