Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay

Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay from Chile's Central Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A Gold Medal winner at the Sakura Awards (2020 vintage), this expression balances tropical fruit intensity with crisp citrus acidity through a predominantly stainless-steel fermentation approach.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Producer: Viña Santa Rita

Production & Heritage

Viña Santa Rita is one of Chile's oldest and most established wineries, founded in 1880 in the Maipo Valley. The "120" range takes its name from the 120 patriot soldiers who sheltered at the estate following the Battle of Rancagua in 1814. Under the direction of winemaker Sebastián Labbé, the 120 Chardonnay undergoes cold maceration at 3–4°C for three days before controlled fermentation at 14°C. Ninety percent of the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve bright fruit character, while the remaining 10% sees oak barrel fermentation, adding a subtle layer of texture. The wine rests on its lees for approximately one month, building body and roundness before early bottling locks in freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe pineapple and green apple lead the nose, followed by lemon peel, mango, and a lift of orange zest. A faint vanilla undertone emerges from the partial oak treatment.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with tropical notes of melon and banana giving way to a mid-palate of white grapefruit and lemon drizzle. The brief lees aging contributes a light creaminess that rounds out the citrus-driven acidity without dulling it.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, refreshing close. Lingering notes of grapefruit rind and a subtle honeyed sweetness fade gradually.

How to Drink 120 Chardonnay

Serve chilled between 8–10°C to let the tropical aromatics open without losing acidity. This wine drinks well on its own as an aperitif or alongside light meals. For cocktails, the 120 Chardonnay works in a White Wine Spritzer, where its citrus brightness pairs naturally with soda water and a lemon twist. It also suits a Sangria Blanca, contributing stone fruit and melon to a summer punch. A Chardonnay Bellini—blending the wine with a splash of peach purée—takes advantage of its tropical character for a brunch serve.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where a reliable, food-friendly white is needed
• Introducing someone new to Chardonnay without oak-heavy complexity
• Summer entertaining and outdoor gatherings in warm weather
• Building a budget-friendly wine selection for casual tastings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 120 Chardonnay taste like? It leads with ripe tropical fruit—pineapple, melon, and mango—balanced by lemon and grapefruit acidity. A slight creaminess from lees contact adds body, but the overall profile is fresh and fruit-driven rather than buttery.

How does 120 Chardonnay compare to Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay? Both are Chilean Central Valley Chardonnays positioned at a similar value tier, but the Santa Rita 120 uses a 90/10 stainless-steel-to-oak fermentation split, while Casillero del Diablo typically emphasizes more prominent oak influence. The 120 generally reads as the brighter, more citrus-forward option of the two.

Is 120 Chardonnay good for beginners? Yes—its fruit-forward, approachable profile and modest 13.5% ABV make it an accessible starting point for anyone exploring Chardonnay without encountering heavy oak or high alcohol.

Where is 120 Chardonnay made? It is produced by Viña Santa Rita, headquartered in the Maipo Valley near Santiago, Chile. The Chardonnay grapes for this expression are sourced from vineyards across Chile's Central Valley, a broad winemaking region known for consistent sun exposure and reliable growing conditions.

What foods pair well with 120 Chardonnay? Grilled white fish such as sea bass benefits from the wine's citrus acidity. Chicken Caesar salad mirrors the light creaminess on the palate. Shrimp ceviche echoes the tropical and citrus notes. Mild goat cheese balances the fruit-forward profile with tangy contrast. Fresh pasta in a lemon butter sauce highlights the wine's subtle richness.

What sizes does 120 Chardonnay come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size for this expression.

Is 120 Chardonnay worth the price? It positions firmly as an entry-level expression within Chile's Chardonnay landscape, delivering above-average complexity for its tier thanks to the partial oak fermentation and lees contact—details rarely seen at this price point.

Why 120 Chardonnay?

What separates the 120 Chardonnay from many value-tier Chilean whites is the 90/10 stainless-steel-to-oak fermentation and month-long lees aging, production steps that add textural depth without burying the fruit. International recognition supports its quality—Gold Medals at both the Sakura Awards (2020 vintage) and the Berlin Wine Trophy (2016 vintage) confirm consistent performance across multiple harvests. Viña Santa Rita's 140-plus years of winemaking heritage and Sebastián Labbé's modern approach yield a Chardonnay that punches above its weight class, delivering fresh tropical character with just enough structure to keep things interesting.