Enate Chardonnay Fermentado Barrica

Enate Chardonnay Fermentado en Barrica 2023 Somontano

This Enate Chardonnay Fermentado en Barrica 2023 is one of the established benchmarks for oak-aged Spanish Chardonnay and is considered a true signature wine within Enate. This wine demonstrates how the Somontano-based winery combines ripe fruit and new French oak without losing the Chardonnay's fresh character. What makes this wine so special? The alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place entirely in new French oak barrels, followed by extended aging on the lees, creating depth and texture rarely seen so consistently in this style.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for this wine come from Spain, in northeastern Aragon, within the Somontano wine region. This region lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees and is known for its combination of altitude, cooling influences, and dry conditions. Enate is one of the leading producers of Somontano and has, since its inception, focused strongly on quality and precision in the vineyard. The Chardonnay benefits from a climate with warm days and cooler nights, which contributes to ripe aromas and preserves the natural freshness—a key pillar of this wine style.

Vinification and maturation

After harvest, the grapes arrive in the cellar in perfect health and at peak ripeness. Pressing is gentle and controlled using a pneumatic press. After static clarification of the must at 8°C, the wine is fully fermented in new French oak barrels. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place in these barrels, giving the wine intense contact with the wood from the outset. The wine is then aged for seven months on lees in the same barrels, with biweekly bâtonnage, the regular stirring of the yeasts, to impart additional creaminess and complexity. After aging, the wine is clarified with bentonite and cold-stabilized at -5°C.

Grape composition

Chardonnay – Somontano
This wine is a single-varietal Chardonnay. The grape is used here to create a powerful, oak-driven style in which structure, ripe fruit, and freshness are balanced by vinification and lees aging.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

The color is bright golden yellow with a slight sheen. The nose combines ripe Chardonnay fruit and oak influences, with aromas of hazelnut, toasted bread, and tropical fruits like pineapple and grapefruit, complemented by subtle smoky notes from the oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and creamy, with a broad attack and a fresh acidity that adds tension. The finish is long and balanced, with refined toasted notes returning. Serve this wine preferably at 10–12°C. At the table, it pairs well with oily fish, white meat, smoked dishes, and cheeses with a distinctive character.

Awards

• 2023 – Best Spanish White Wine with Wood Aging (Guía Gourmets)