2025 Casa Ermelinda Freitas Fat Baron Chardonnay

2025 Casa Ermelinda Freitas Fat Baron Chardonnay is a modern Portuguese Chardonnay that beautifully combines richness and freshness. Hailing from the sun-drenched Península de Setúbal, this wine benefits from warm days and cooling Atlantic influences, allowing the grapes to ripen optimally without losing their lively character. The result is a full-bodied, creamy Chardonnay with tropical fruit, fresh acidity, and a surprisingly elegant finish.

Casa Ermelinda Freitas

Casa Ermelinda Freitas is one of Portugal's most successful family businesses. Located in Fernando Pó, in the Setúbal Peninsula, the winery has been known for four generations for wines that combine quality, accessibility, and excellent value for money. Under the leadership of Leonor Freitas, the estate grew into one of Portugal's most distinguished wineries, with over a thousand national and international awards to its name.

The vineyards cover over 550 hectares and benefit from the cooling influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus and Sado rivers. These natural conditions ensure that the grapes retain their freshness while simultaneously ripening optimally and developing great aromatic intensity.

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The vineyards and the terroir

The Chardonnay grapes grow on the sunny sandy and loamy soils of the Setúbal Peninsula. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the grapes develop abundant ripe tropical fruit, while the cooling sea breeze ensures sufficient freshness and elegance. This combination makes the region particularly suitable for modern, fruit-driven white wines with great balance.

Vinification

The grapes are carefully harvested at the moment when ripeness and freshness are in perfect balance. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place under controlled temperature to optimally preserve the fruity aromas. The result is a Chardonnay in which the pure fruit takes center stage, supported by a soft, creamy structure.

Scent, taste and character

In the glass, the wine has a clear light yellow color with a sparkling golden-green shimmer. The aroma is expressive and inviting, with notes of ripe pineapple, peach, citrus, yellow apple, and subtle white flowers.

The taste is full, fruity, and beautifully balanced. Tropical fruit, ripe citrus, and juicy apple are supported by fresh acidity and a soft, creamy texture that gives the wine extra charm. Despite its full character, the wine remains lively and elegant.

The finish is fresh, harmonious, and fruity, with a pleasant length that invites another sip.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

This Chardonnay is meant to be enjoyed young and is at its best within two to three years of the harvest. Preferably serve the wine at 8 to 10°C.

The wine pairs excellently with grilled salmon, cod, shellfish, creamy pastas with chicken or salmon, Caesar salad, mushroom risotto, and soft cheeses such as Brie or young Gouda. This Chardonnay also comes into its own perfectly as a luxurious aperitif.