Anakena Chardonnay

Anakena Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay white wine from Chile's Central Valley, bottled at approximately 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned 87 points and a "Best Buy" designation from Wine Enthusiast, signaling strong value within its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Winery: Viña Anakena

Production & Heritage

Viña Anakena is a privately owned Chilean winery headquartered in the Alto Cachapoal area of the Rapel Valley. The estate controls over 400 hectares of vineyards spread across some of Chile's most regarded growing areas — 155 hectares in Cachapoal Valley, 128 hectares in the coastal Leyda zone of San Antonio Valley, 70 hectares in Colchagua Valley's Cerro Ninquén, and 70 hectares near the Peumo area in Las Cabras. This multi-terroir vineyard portfolio, combined with sustainable farming practices and modern winemaking technology, gives the winemaking team a broad palette of fruit sources to draw from when producing their Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe tropical fruit — pineapple and mango — layered with citrus zest and subtle vanilla. At its best, as noted in the 2018 vintage, pleasant yeasty qualities emerge alongside white flowers and pear.

Taste: The entry is plump and mellow, presenting juicy peach and golden apple flavors at the mid-palate. A gentle, creamy texture carries through, with touches of honey, melon, and lemon curd adding depth and roundness as the wine develops in the glass.

Finish: The finish is moderately long, retaining that yeasty, rounded character noted by Wine Enthusiast in the 2018 vintage. A soft fruit sweetness lingers alongside a clean citrus edge.

How to Drink Anakena Chardonnay

Serve chilled to around 10–12°C (50–54°F) to allow the tropical fruit aromatics to express themselves without losing the wine's underlying structure. This Chardonnay also works well as a cocktail component: try it in a White Wine Spritzer, where its fruit-forward profile holds up against soda water and citrus; a Sangria Blanca, where the peach and mango notes harmonize naturally with sliced stone fruit; or a Kir, where a splash of crème de cassis pairs elegantly with the wine's creamy body.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want an approachable, food-friendly white
• Introducing someone to Chilean Chardonnay without a steep investment
• Warm-weather gatherings where chilled white wine disappears quickly
• Building a casual wine collection with reliable Southern Hemisphere options

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Anakena Chardonnay taste like? It delivers ripe tropical fruit — peach, pineapple, and mango — alongside golden apple and a creamy, mellow texture. The finish carries pleasant yeasty and honeyed notes.

How does Anakena Chardonnay compare to Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Chardonnay? Both are value-driven Chilean Chardonnays from Central Valley vineyards, but Anakena draws fruit from a broader range of microclimates across its 400-plus hectares in multiple valleys. Santa Rita 120 comes from one of Chile's largest producers, while Anakena operates as a smaller, privately owned estate with a more focused portfolio.

Is Anakena Chardonnay good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward, approachable style and moderate alcohol make it an easy entry point for anyone exploring white wine or Chilean Chardonnay specifically.

Where is Anakena Chardonnay made? It is produced by Viña Anakena, headquartered in the Alto Cachapoal area of the Rapel Valley within Chile's Central Valley region. The winery sources fruit from vineyard holdings spanning Cachapoal, Leyda, Colchagua, and Las Cabras.

What foods pair well with Anakena Chardonnay? Grilled white fish benefits from the wine's citrus brightness; roast chicken complements its creamy mid-palate; shrimp ceviche mirrors the tropical fruit notes; mild soft cheeses like brie echo its rounded texture; and light pasta dishes with butter or cream sauces match the wine's body without overwhelming it.

What sizes does Anakena Chardonnay come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml format, which is the most widely distributed size.

Is Anakena Chardonnay worth the price? Wine Enthusiast's "Best Buy" designation for the 2018 vintage (87 points) positions this as a strong value within the entry-level Chilean Chardonnay category, delivering quality that punches above its price tier.

Why Anakena Chardonnay?

What distinguishes this wine from the crowded field of value Chilean Chardonnays is Viña Anakena's access to over 400 hectares across four distinct growing zones — from the cool coastal Leyda Valley to the warmer Cachapoal and Colchagua terroirs. That diversity gives the winemaking team flexibility to achieve balance between ripe tropical fruit and freshness in a single bottling. The Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" recognition for the 2018 vintage confirms that this breadth of sourcing translates into genuine over-delivery at its price point. For anyone seeking a reliable, fruit-driven Chilean white with more depth than most competitors at the same level, this Chardonnay consistently earns its place on the shelf.