Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mapu Reserva Chardonnay 2024

Winery Background and History

Baron Philippe de Rothschild is a storied wine company founded in Bordeaux, with global reach and respect. The “MAPU” range is the Chilean project under that same banner, launched to express Chile’s terroirs using the standards and experience of Rothschild winemaking. MAPU wines are made in the Maule / Central Valleys area, where climate, soil, and altitude give distinct expression. The Reserva line (including this Chardonnay) is positioned between their entry-level MAPU and the higher Gran Reserva, aiming for a balance of quality, fruit purity, and accessibility.

Producer and Wine Maker

The wine is produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile, who manage vineyards, harvesting, vinification and aging under their quality protocols. The winemaking team here combines local Chilean viticultural knowledge with oversight from Rothschild’s international standards. For this Chardonnay, they monitor vineyard health, harvest timing, fermentation conditions, and aging in order to preserve varietal character while achieving a clean, fruit-driven expression.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from Chile’s Central Valley, notably Maule or other subregions in Valle Central, where the climate is Mediterranean: warm and sunny during the day, cooler nights (diurnal variation) help retain acidity and freshness in white grapes. Soils are likely well-drained, possibly a mix of alluvial, loam and possibly rocky or sedimentary components depending on parcels. The microclimate benefits from altitude and cooling influences, which help moderate ripeness and preserve aromatics.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Harvested when grapes reach good phenolic and flavor maturity. The juice is fermented in stainless steel, with temperature control to preserve fresh fruit and avoid over-oxidation. The wine is aged “on the lees” in stainless steel for several months (fine lees), which adds texture and some complexity without heavy oak influence. There is no major oak aging reported for this vintage (or minimal if any), so the emphasis is on freshness, fruit, and clean profile.

Tasting notes

Pale to mid-gold in colour. Aromas of citrus (lime, lemon), green stone fruit (green apple, pear), with hints of tropical fruit (peach, perhaps a touch of mango) and subtle floral or mineral undertones. On the palate it is crisp, medium-bodied with balanced acidity. Texture is smooth with some weight from lees aging, giving a creamy mouthfeel without being buttery. Finish is clean with residual fruit, mild citrus, and a refreshing aftertaste.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with lighter fare: fresh seafood (grilled fish, shellfish), chicken in herbs, creamy pasta with light sauces, salads with citrus vinaigrette, mild cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese. Also good with white meats, lighter pork dishes, and vegetable dishes prepared simply. Avoid very heavy or spicy dishes that may overwhelm the wine.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at around 8-10 °C (46-50 °F). Use a white wine glass to allow aromas to emerge. Best served from a well-chilled bottle. No decanting necessary. Once opened, consume within 1-2 days for best freshness. Keep away from excessive heat or strong odours which can affect the wine.

Storage and Aging Potential

This is designed to be a youthful, fresh Chardonnay, so best consumed within 2-4 years of vintage to enjoy its fruit, freshness, and aromatic profile. Under excellent cellar conditions (cool ~12-14 °C, stable humidity, little light), it may hold a little longer, developing mild secondary notes of lees, minerals, perhaps faint oxidative or toasted tones if exposed, but it is not expected to evolve heavily like barrel-aged Chardonnays.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14 %