SCORE :
69
Price:
₹ 1,200/- (MH)
VALUE FOR Price:
★★★
At Soma Vine Village, Chardonnay is treated with patience rather than shortcuts. The Reserve expression reflects the estate’s quiet confidence and attention to detail. This wine sits at the intersection of approachability and ambition, inviting a closer look.
Vintage:
2018 (8 years old at tasting)
Alcohol Content:
12.5%
Type:
White
Varietal:
100% Chardonnay
Region:
Nashik, Maharashtra
Visual Review
The wine shows a pretty transparent intensity with a warm gold hue that feels inviting rather than flashy. Clarity is spot on, clear and brilliant, and the colour sits comfortably within expectations for the style.
Aroma Review
The aromatic intensity sits at a medium level, but there is enough going on to keep it interesting. The bouquet leans fruit-forward, with those familiar guava notes often found in Nashik whites making a friendly appearance. An enchanting touch of lemon brightens things up, while gentle bready aromas add a layer of comfort rather than weight. The overall nose quality is good, not trying to impress with complexity for its own sake, but offering a pleasant and coherent aromatic profile.
Taste Review
The palate follows through in a reassuringly consistent way. Acidity is medium, giving the wine enough freshness without turning sharp. The body stays light, and the alcohol warmth remains subtle, keeping the overall feel easy and approachable. Despite the lightness, the viscosity is surprisingly high, adding a pleasing texture that gives the wine more presence than expected. The wine is dry, clean, and focused, allowing the flavours to stay clear and distinct rather than muddled.
Flavour intensity is distinct, and the balance is very well judged. There is some complexity at play, enough to reward attention without demanding it. The finish is moderately long and genuinely pleasant, making each sip feel complete. Overall, the tasting experience is quite enjoyable, the kind of wine that disappears faster than planned. There is also enough structure and balance here to suggest above-average ageing potential, should you manage to keep a bottle untouched
One small reality check comes with the closure. The screwcap was impressively stubborn, to the point where tools and patience became part of the opening ritual. Consider it an unplanned warm-up exercise before the first pour.
Availability:
Any wineshop
Food Pairing :
- Grilled fish, butter garlic prawns, pan seared scallops, fish tikka, tandoori pomfret
- Roast chicken, chicken schnitzel, lemon chicken, chicken malai tikka, grilled turkey
- Creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, vegetable lasagna, spinach and corn bake, paneer makhani
- Soft cheeses, mild aged cheeses, brie, camembert, fresh paneer, ricotta
- Grilled vegetables, asparagus, zucchini fritters, corn chaat, vegetable kebabs
- Sourdough bread, garlic bread, herbed focaccia, butter naan, cheese paratha
Gallery :
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