With over 11 generations of vine growers to look back on, J. Chivite Family Estates is Navarra's great classic winery and a dynasty that has made its surname synonymous with maturity, elegance and expertise. Actively involved in business since 1860 and incorporating a clear commitment for quality wines since the middle of last century, the winery currently possesses 120 ha of vineyards in Tierra Estella, grown on clay-loam and limestone soils and enjoying a significant Atlantic influence which will be noticeable in its wines, especially in those of its Finca de Villatuerta collection.
Its Chardonnay is a white that's full of energy and has a refinement that picks up this terroir's characteristics as well as showcasing Chivite's mastery. A single varietal obtained using the best Chardonnay grapes from the vineyards on the slopes of the Granja de Legardeta, in Villatuerta, which provides proof of the winery's special proficiency in the manufacture of whites and rosés. Its production process, with a partial fermentation in barrel and an ageing of 6 months on its lees, endows it with texture, freshness and complexity, enhancing the fruit-forward and aromatic profile of this variety and permitting a long evolution in bottle.
A delicate and rounded white, with intense and perfumed aromas (white acacia flowers, citrus fruits, dried fruits and nuts...), some smoky touches and a mineral undertone. On the palate its attack is sweet and luscious, fresh and expressive, lively and mineral, with creamy suggestions and confectionery hints enveloped in a velvety texture. With a long and persistent finish which stresses those confectionery notes and its mineral undertone. Overall, an elegant and harmonious drink, the sort you'll never easily tire of.
Food pairing
Aperitifs / Soft cheeses / White meats / Oily fish
Ratings and awards
2019
93 PN
2016
91 PN
2014
92 PN
2013
93 PN
2012
92 PN
PN: Peñín
Customer reviews
4.5/5
2 reviews
Vintage:
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by: Paul Sauerberg (30/03/2017) - Vintage 2014
0
A beautifull chardonnay based wine.
Although we prefer its more expensive brother from the same house, this one is certainly well worth drinking for fish like salmon and other fat fish.
Typical for the grape.
by: Reijs Johannes (09/04/2021) - Vintage 2019
0
Nice Chardonnay
Colour: light yellow.
Nose: fresh and fruity.
Taste: yellow fruits, green apple and lemon.
Good price/quality. Recommended.
The winery
Chivite
Chivite is the name of a renowned wine-making family in Navarra, which goes back 11 generations to 1647, with documental evidence of vineyard and wine cellar ownership, probably making this the oldest wine-producing dynasty in Spain. Back in 1860, when the phylloxera plague was blighting the French wine industry, the family embarked upon a trade route to northern Europe to meet increased demand, and later made their home an inn en route to Madrid, extending the reach of their...