Pale yellow-green color; lemon-lime, citrus, peach, grapefruit, green apple, herbal notes, flinty minerality on the nose and palate.
Dry; light body; good acidity (3.41 pH). Rich in the mouth, but also a cutting sharpness—very interesting juxtaposition. Some 85% of the juice comes from Viña Quinty’s estate vineyards in the Casablanca Valley, the remainder from the Leyda Valley, further north in the San Antonio Valley. No tannins. No oak, sharp and precise presentation of Chilean sauv blanc. 13% ABV
Viña Quintay was founded in 2005 by several producers in the Casablanca Valley to produce sauvignon blanc. They since have expanded their line, evidenced by this pinot noir effort. Their “Clava” wines focus on optimal fruit purity and come from 100% estate grapes. Today, the Martin Weinstein family owns Viña Quintay, maintaining Chilean ownership.
Viña Quintay Clava Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley 2022 is a solid QPR sauv blanc. Tasty richness stands out, abetted by good sauv blanc acidity. This is very decent wine, not an outstanding one—which is very fine with me at its price point. Excellent value. Clean, crisp, surprisingly smooth given its acidity. Will pleasure rather than cut your tongue. These qualities position it very well-as an aperitif or a warm weather sipper on patio, porch, picnic, poolside. Pair with shellfish; seafood; grilled fish; fish tacos; pasta and summer salads; vegetarian fare; charcuterie board that includes fresh fruits. Cheese—goat cheese is the classic cheese pairing, also sheep’s milk; goat milk cheddar, gouda, havarti, monterey jack, muenster, parmesan, swiss. $13-15
