From: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Taste: An exuberant bouquet of passionate fruit and mango, interwoven with zesty lemon, lime, and grapefruit. The palate is bright and crisp, echoing the wine's aromatic profile, while introducing a compelling mineral undertone. Its vivacious acidity and balance lead to a remarkably elegant finish, showcasing the essence of the Casablanca Valley terroir. This is an un-oaked, refreshing, and well-rounded Sauvignon Blanc that leaves a lasting impression.
Pairing: With its vibrant fruit profile and crisp acidity, the 2022 Prisma Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. It complements fresh seafood like oysters, ceviche, or grilled fish superbly, with its acidity cutting through the richness and harmonizing with the dish's flavors (check out the recipe below!). Similarly, it's a fitting match for chicken and vegetable dishes, particularly when prepared with citrus or herb-based sauces. Its refreshing character also makes it a delightful companion for light, summery salads and a fine counterpoint to creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie.
Fish TacosBy Sam Sifton
About. From the cool, coastal climate of Chile's prestigious Casablanca Valley, the Prisma Sauvignon Blanc 2022 stands as a testament to the region's outstanding viticulture. Produced by esteemed winemaker Ricardo Baettig, this wine reveals the remarkable interplay between the valley's unique terroir and the expressive characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.
Sustainably grown across two vineyards, Belén and El Principal, this wine hails from 18 acres of land nestled 500 feet above sea level. Planted back in 2004, these vineyards relish the area's sandy, clay, and granitic soil—a foundation that is both distinctive to the region and essential to the wine's profile. Supported by the Vertical Shoot Positioning trellis system, the vines flourish, producing an impressive yield of 5 tons per acre.
From the vineyard to the winery, meticulous attention to detail ensures the purity and expression of the fruit are preserved. Each grape is hand-harvested before undergoing a cold soak and low-temperature fermentation. The resulting juice is matured in stainless steel, with no lees contact, and a light cartridge filter guarantees a wine as straightforward as it is captivating.
As an un-oaked, 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the Prisma 2022 promises a bright and fresh character—a direct result of the Casablanca Valley's cool coastal climate. Upon tasting, passionate fruit and mango take center stage, underscored by a vibrant citrus ensemble of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. A mineral undertone adds complexity and depth, producing a crisp, elegant, and well-balanced finish. This wine showcases the expressive terroir of the Casablanca Valley with every sip.
The Prisma wines mirror the efforts of their winemaker, Ricardo Baettig, to encapsulate the richness of the Lo Ovalle subregion of the Casablanca Valley. Recognized for its coastal microclimate marked by fog and significant diurnal temperature shifts, this subregion's clay and granitic soil work harmoniously with sustainable farming practices to craft exceptional wines. The vineyards and winery are certified sustainable, a further testament to Prisma's commitment to quality and the environment.
Casablanca Valley's location, a mere 100 kilometers northwest of Santiago and just 30km from the Pacific Ocean delivers a growing environment that combines the freshness of oceanic influence with the sunlit richness of Chile's northern expanse.
While the region is relatively new to viticulture, having planted its first vineyards in the 1980s, it has rapidly gained a reputation for its crisp white wines. Despite occasional challenges, such as the threat of spring frosts and nematodes in the sandy soils, the valley continues to rise as a white wine stronghold, offering a range of aromatic grapes.
The Prisma Sauvignon Blanc 2022 truly captures the essence of the Casablanca Valley. Each sip tells the story of its birthplace—a testament to the harmonious marriage of grape, soil, and climate. The result is a beautifully balanced, vibrant, and refreshing white wine that stands out in Chile's wine scene and on the global stage. With 20,000 cases of this exceptional wine produced, wine enthusiasts should ensure they secure a taste of this Chilean marvel.
