Chardonnay From Mexico

L.A. Cetto winery is in Mexico's Baja California, in the Valle de Guadalupe wine region. They have been named as the top winery in Mexico seven times by the New York International Wine Competition.

The winery's history covers seven generations of Italian winemaking tradition. In 1924, Angelo Cetto came from Italy to Mexico, creating Bodegas Cetto in 1928. Luis Agustín Cetto led the way, then his son Luis Alberto Cetto, and today the seventh generation is carrying on the family legacy.

The 2022 L.A. Cetto Estate Bottled Chardonnay has alcohol at 13% abv and sells regularly for $16. I paid $5 at a sale run by Pavilions Market.

This wine is yellow-gold in the glass. Aromas of apple, apricot and mango are tinged with a bit of funky earthiness. The palate shows ripe fruit and oak effect which are nicely balanced. The mouthfeel is lush and creamy, and acidity is in the medium range. The aftertaste leaves apple and citrus notes. Salad is an easy pairing, but I'd love it with a creamy risotto. 

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MEXICAN WINE AT LOTERIA - L.A. CETTO CHENIN BLANC

Southern California wine adventurers who would like to take a Mexican wine for a spin can do so at the Loteria Grill Studio City location.  Loteria Grill is known for their incredible Mexican food, so it seems a natural for them to offer wines made in Mexico to pair with their cuisine.

L.A. Cetto, I'm told, is a mass producer of wine south of the border - along the lines of Gallo in the U.S.  While their wines aren't thought to be reflective of the burgeoning quality wine industry in Mexico, they are popular and relatively easy to find.

The Chenin Blanc from L.A. Cetto is made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes grown in the Valle de Guadalupe region of Baja California.  The wine has an alcohol level of 12% and sells for around $10 a bottle.  It was $9 by the glass at Loteria.

Almost clear in the glass, the wine has a fresh nose with minerals and pears leading the way.  It tastes very fresh and light with a mild acidity that makes a better show on the finish.  Tropical notes come on the mid-palate, which helps it pair so well with the plantains.  It would seem to be made for that match.  It's a lesser success with the cheese enchilada in a pumpkin seed sauce, but that sauce is not to be missed.