Miguel Torres Cordillera de Los Andes Chardonnay 2023

Region and Vineyards

This wine hails from the Talinay sector of the Limarí Costa Valley, a region now gaining recognition as one of Chile’s most distinctive terroirs for Chardonnay. Located just 12 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean and 9 kilometers from Fray Jorge National Park, the vineyard benefits from a cool maritime climate where ocean breezes and early morning fog—locally known as camanchaca—moderate daytime heat and extend the growing season.

The vineyard was planted in 2006 and spans 2.5 hectares, with a density of 5,555 vines per hectare. Soils are predominantly clay-loam with abundant calcareous content, including gravel and sandy layers. This composition imparts both finesse and minerality to the wine, a signature characteristic of the Talinay site. The 2023 growing season featured cool winter temperatures followed by a warm ripening period, resulting in a balanced, elegant vintage with notable acidity and saline expression.

Winemaking

The 2023 vintage is made from 100% Chardonnay, harvested between February 14 and March 3. Grapes were pressed as whole clusters to preserve aromatic purity and minimize phenolic extraction. Alcoholic fermentation took place entirely in French oak barrels, lasting 19 days at temperatures between 18°C and 20°C.

The wine then underwent seven months of barrel aging, with 60% of the wine aged in French oak—48% of which was in second or more uses, and 12% in new oak. This careful oak regimen preserved fruit precision while adding subtle texture and spice. The wine was bottled in October 2023 and contains 13.5% alcohol, with 6.45 g/L total acidity and 3.7 g/L residual sugar.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant straw yellow with green reflections.
• Aroma: Intensely aromatic, showing mineral lift, lychee, citrus zest, and white floral notes with a hint of salinity.
• Palate: Creamy yet fresh, with vibrant juicy acidity and an elegant saline character that reflects the limestone-rich soils. Textured and persistent, with an impeccable balance between fruit and structure.

Did you know?

The Talinay vineyard lies on soils that were once ancient seabeds, explaining its high calcium carbonate content and resulting saline minerality. Torres began producing Chardonnay from this unique site in 2009, positioning it as a pioneer of coastal fine wine production in northern Chile.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Caviar: The wine’s saline tension and elegance enhance the luxurious brininess of caviar.
• Smoked salmon or trout: Its creamy mouthfeel and citrus lift match the richness and smoke of the fish.
• Grilled sea bass in citrus butter: The vibrant acidity and mineral backbone cut through the richness while echoing the flavors.
• Oysters with mignonette: Classic saline-on-saline pairing, perfect with the wine’s crisp freshness.

History of Miguel Torres

In 1979, Miguel Torres arrived in Chile and acquired 100 hectares across Maquehua, San Francisco Norte, and Cordillera, along with a winery in the fertile Curicó Valley. This marked a decisive chapter in modern Chilean viticulture. At a time when the industry was largely traditional and focused on volume, Torres introduced temperature-controlled fermentation and stainless steel tanks, a first in Chile. These techniques brought precision and purity to winemaking, catalyzing a new era of quality production in the region.

Over the decades, the family’s philosophy of combining respect for tradition with cutting-edge innovation has made Miguel Torres one of the most respected names in South American wine. They pioneered organic practices well before they became widespread and were instrumental in reviving historic grape varieties like País and Carignan. Their vision of sustainability extends beyond the vineyard, incorporating community development, fair trade, and educational initiatives for growers.

Today, under the leadership of Miguel Torres Maczassek, fifth-generation of the Torres family, the Chilean operation continues to evolve. His focus includes climate resilience, vine age preservation, and showcasing distinct terroirs through a growing portfolio of single-vineyard wines. The estate remains a benchmark for sustainable innovation rooted in deep heritage, a rare balance in today’s global wine industry.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Central Valley, particularly Curicó, the vineyards benefit from the Andes’ cooling influence, warm days, and cold nights. These diurnal shifts enhance aromatic concentration and maintain vibrant acidity. The region is also Phylloxera-free, allowing vines to grow on their own roots—an increasingly rare advantage globally.

The estate’s flagship vineyards are strategically planted on alluvial and colluvial terraces, composed of gravel, clay, and volcanic ash. These well-drained soils allow for deep root systems and moderate vine vigor—factors that contribute to the elegance and aging potential of the wines. The vineyards are certified organic, and a significant portion is farmed under dry-farming practices, especially in areas like Maule and Empedrado, reflecting a dedication to low-intervention viticulture.

Beyond Curicó, Miguel Torres Chile has invested in emerging terroirs such as Empedrado, one of the few places in Chile with slate-based soils—a feature more commonly associated with Germany’s Mosel or Spain’s Priorat. Here, on steep, erosion-prone slopes, they cultivate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with remarkable finesse and minerality. These developments highlight Torres' ongoing commitment to discovering Chile’s most distinctive vineyard sites, bringing new dimensions to the country's fine wine narrative.

Wine Range of Miguel Torres

Miguel Torres Chile offers a diverse and expressive range of wines across several key tiers:

• Cordillera: Premium single-varietal wines showcasing emblematic Chilean terroirs, such as Carmenère from Peumo and Carignan (VIGNO) from Maule.
• Escaleras de Empedrado: A terroir-driven Pinot Noir grown on steep slate terraces in the southern Empedrado region.
• Manso de Velasco: An old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon from vines over 100 years old—ungrafted and dry-farmed.
• La Causa: Wines exploring ancestral varieties and traditional blends, emphasizing cultural heritage.
• Santa Digna & Estelado: A socially conscious line including Fair Trade-certified wines and the innovative Estelado País rosé sparkling, a tribute to Chile’s forgotten grape.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Miguel Torres Chile is widely recognized as a leader in sustainable and ethical winemaking. With all estate vineyards certified organic and extensive use of renewable energy and lightweight packaging, the winery is actively working toward carbon neutrality. Environmental protection is deeply embedded in their philosophy, from biodiversity conservation to dry-farming techniques that reduce water use and enhance terroir expression.

Equally impactful is their commitment to Fair Trade and social equity. As the largest Fair Trade-certified winery in Chile, Miguel Torres partners with small growers to ensure fair pricing, technical support, and reinvestment in rural communities. Projects like the Estelado País sparkling wine not only revived an historic grape but also uplifted the economic stability of many farming families—making sustainability both environmental and human at its core.

Did you know?

Miguel Torres was a key figure in the rebirth of the País grape, once considered inferior. In collaboration with local growers and the Chilean government, Torres created “Estelado”, the first sparkling rosé from País, which went on to receive international acclaim and Fair Trade certification. This project not only elevated a historic grape but also improved incomes and recognition for small-scale growers.