Carmen presents new Delanz Chardonnay: a limestone-born white from between the sea and the desert

Recognized among the best Chardonnays in Chile, this wine is distinguished by its pronounced mineral character, vibrancy, firm acidity, and a saline finish—attributes that precisely reflect the signature of the Limarí Valley.

Carmen, one of the earliest wineries established in South America, introduces Delanz Chardonnay, the newest addition to its high-end Delanz range. This collection of wines pays tribute to origin, accurately reflecting the identity of some of the New World’s most remarkable terroirs.

Delanz Chardonnay 2024 comes from Chile’s coastal north, in the Limarí Valley, specifically the Punitaqui area. There, limestone soils, morning fog, Pacific Ocean breezes, and proximity to the Atacama Desert allow for slow, balanced ripening, resulting in a precise, austere Chardonnay with pronounced freshness, tension, and salinity.

The grapes were hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Part of the must was fermented in stainless steel tanks, another part in concrete tanks, and the remainder in fourth- and fifth-use French oak barrels. The wine remained on its lees for 10 months.

“It is an elegant and fresh wine, with distinctive citrus notes on the nose, accompanied by hints of peach, green apple, and a marked mineral character. On the palate, it is vibrant, with a delicate, persistent, and balanced structure supported by its acidity, a dusty texture, and a finish with saline notes,” explains Ana María Cumsille, Head Winemaker at Viña Carmen.

Delanz Chardonnay joins Delanz Cabernet Sauvignon (Alto Jahuel) and Delanz Carménère (Apalta), completing a trilogy that highlights Chile’s emblematic varietals in the terroirs that best express their essence.

Among the most recent accolades for Delanz Chardonnay 2024 are 96 points from La CAV and 95 points from Descorchados, which included it among the country’s best Chardonnays. Additionally, it received 93 points from Robert Parker.

Delanz is a line created by Carmen to honor the value of origin. Its name pays tribute to Carmen, wife of Christian Lanz, the winery’s founder in 1850. This wine is available exclusively in Chile.