WTN: Chilean white Pedro Ximenez

[Robin Garr]

Oops, I neglected to post this last week, but don't run away at the sight of the subject line: This is a surprisingly good Chilean white made from Pedro Ximenez. It's particularly fine for summer sipping, but I'd definitely open it any time of year.

Viña Mayu 2020 Huanta Vineyard Valle de Elqui Chile Pedro Ximenez ($14.99)

In a relatively rare use of this white grape that's usually destined for sweet Sherry, Viña Mayu Valle de Elqui Chile Pedro Ximenez is a refreshing, food-friendly dry white wine that's especially suited for summer enjoyment. Its clear, light straw color adds a pretty brassy hue. Delicious citric aromas of lemon-lime and tangerine are apparent at first, with hints of wildflowers and beeswax playing behind the citrus fruit. It's bright, acidic, and dry on the palate, with citrus flavors following the nose, and hints of stony minerality and peach pit bitterness appearing in a medium-long finish. It's fermented and aged briefly in stainless steel, so it's free of oak character, but aging on the yeast lees imparts desirable complexity. 12.5%alcohol. U.S. importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, Calif. (June 18, 2022)

FOOD MATCH: The winery suggests pairing it with seafood and shellfish, and that's good advice. It will go pretty much anywhere that a dry white is welcome, and was just right with bucatini and pesto.

WHEN TO DRINK: Its acidity and a sturdy screwcap should keep it appealing for a few years, but it's not a cellar keeper. I suggest drinking it young and fresh.

VALUE:
My local price matches Wine-Searcher.com's $15 average U.S. retail. It's a good buy in the middle teens. It's widely available for as low as $10, though, so check Wine-Searcher and shop around if you can.

WEB LINK:
Here's a link to the winery's information page about Mayu Pedro Ximenez.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Viña Mayu Valle de Elqui Chile Pedro Ximenez on Wine-Searcher.com.

Read more about Chile's Elqui Valley and browse dozens of wines of the region at this Wine-Searcher link.

[David M. Bueker]

Huh. Kinda want to try one just to have done so.

[Robin Garr]

That's why I bought it!

Apparently Chile's Elqui Valley is known for two things: Astronomical observatories because it has some of the clearest skies on earth; and pisco, which in the Chilean form is distilled from ... Pedro Ximinez! PX apparently goes into a fair amount of really forgettable white wine, too, but Viña Mayu takes it seriously.

PX apparently goes into a fair amount of really forgettable white wine, too...

Yes, I was going to say. I've had dry white PX from Spain that was completely neutral and boring and was curious what you would present in your report.

[Robin Garr]

Yes, I was going to say. I've had dry white PX from Spain that was completely neutral and boring and was curious what you would present in your report.

I expect their decision to leave it on the lees in stainless steel for four months is telling. It's really surprisingly complex. I got it just for fun - white PX! - but I really enjoyed it.

[Jenise]

I've had that a few times, too, though maybe a vintage or two ago. Really liked it as well.