Escudo Rojo Reserva Chardonnay 2023

Winery Background and History

Escudo Rojo is a wine range established by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile in 1999, intended to blend Bordeaux heritage with Chilean terroir. The label focuses on varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenère and Sauvignon Blanc, each expressing different valleys in Chile. The winery operates in the Central Valley, sourcing from vineyards including Casablanca among others. Its philosophy emphasizes balance between fruit expression, oak influence, and freshness under Chile’s Mediterranean climate conditions

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Chile under the Escudo Rojo brand. The wine-making team combines local vineyard expertise and the technical standards of the Rothschild group. For this Chardonnay, grapes are selected from cooler vineyards (such as Casablanca Valley) to preserve acidity and aromatic character. Winemaking includes controlled temperature fermentations, oak maturation, and careful blending to give freshness, texture, and varietal clarity.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes sourced from valleys like Casablanca (Valle de Casablanca) in Chile’s Central Valley. These vineyards benefit from oceanic influences, cool breezes, silty sand soils with some granitic influence near coastal hills, which help moderate ripening. Nights are cooler, preserving acidity and aromatics, while days are warm enough for full fruit development. The microclimate ensures a balance of freshness and ripeness

Vinification & Aging Methods

Hand-picked grapes are harvested when ripe but still fresh, then fermented at low to moderate temperatures to retain fruit and floral aromatics. Aging is done in oak barrels: part of the wine is matured in 1-year old oak barrels (approximately 25 % new oak, rest older oak) for about nine months for part of the blend to provide structure, while the remaining portion is kept in stainless steel or neutral vessel to preserve freshness and varietal integrity.

Tasting Notes

Pale to mid-gold color. Aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple, mango), stone fruit such as peach, with floral hints (acacia, honeysuckle) and subtle oak spices like toasted almond, mild vanilla and brioche. On the palate, it is creamy yet crisp, with good body, smooth texture. Mid-palate shows richness of fruit balanced by a refreshing acidity. Finish is long and elegant, with residual fruit, gentle oak, and light mineral undertones

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with seafood (grilled fish, shellfish), dishes with cream sauces, poultry with herbs, and lighter pastas. Works nicely with mildly spiced dishes, or soft cheeses such as goat cheese, Brie. Also complements roasted vegetables or dishes with buttery and nutty components such as almond crusted fish

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at around 8-10 °C. Use a white wine glass with moderate bowl to allow aroma expression. Decanting is not necessary; if the wine is very cold from storage, allow it to warm slightly in glass. Keep bottle stable temperature, avoid strong odours around service environment. Once opened, best consumed over 1-2 days

Storage and Aging Potential

Best consumed within 2-4 years of vintage to enjoy its freshness, aromatic intensity, and balance. Under ideal cellar conditions (cool, stable temperature ~12-14 °C, humidity ~70-80 %, away from light), may develop more complexity in oak and mineral notes over the first few years but it is not typically built for long-term aging beyond 5 years

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Chardonnay 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

≈ 14.0 % 

Scores

• James Suckling: 92 / 100 

• Vinous: 91 / 100