El Zafiro Eva/Chardonnay 2018

£10.95 per bottle

ABV 12%

Tasting Notes
A fresh and lively white from the far west of Spain that combines the local Pardina grape variety with the renowned and supple Chardonnay. Modern winemaking preserves crisp green herb and floral aromas with white fruits such as apple and peach on the palate balanced by a zesty, citrus acidity and a crisp finish.

Food
A good aperitif and a match for light seafood tapas, paella or chicken caesar salad.

Region
Extremadura is an autonomous community of western Spain with a capital city of Merida. It is bordered by Portugal to the west with a northern border with Castilla y Leon. The climate is mostly Mediterranean characterised by very hot and dry summers and long and mild winters. The region is as much known for grape growing as it is for Iberian ham production with Wild Black Iberian pigs being allowed to roam freely consuming their diet of acorns which gives fantastic flavour to their meat. A number of grapes are grown there including Mazuelo, Tempranillo, Borba and Sauvignon Blanc. Because of the climate, vines struggle to survive and as a result produce small, concentrated grapes with rich, intense flavours and exceptional structure.

Producer
Vinaoliva is a second tier cooperative that was founded in 1998. It is made up of 25 first tier cooperatives which consist of 15 wineries, 9 olive mills and 12 table olive processing plants. Vinaoliva has 38000 hectares of vineyards and has its own state-of-the-art experimental winery where the El Zafiro wines are blended by the Fine Wine Direct buyers each year.