Gen Z Wine Challenge: Emily, 26
In a new Decanter series, 18- to 29-year olds around the world give their honest opinion about a wine they've splashed out on – and if it was worth the cash.
I’m Emily, 26 years old, working and living in London with my boyfriend.
I’d say my relationship with wine is pretty simple: I know what I like; I’m curious about trying new things; and I’m most likely opening a bottle for dinner, rather than pouring a glass just for the sake of it.
I’m not chasing anything too complicated – I just want something that tastes good, ideally with food, and feels like it’s worth the money.
My relationship with wine began long before I ever enjoyed drinking it.
My dad is the sort of man who can turn a simple glass of red into a lengthy masterclass: terroir, tannins, the name of the wine-grower’s dog – you name it!
Childhood summer holidays spent visiting Tuscan vineyards were some of my fondest memories, and definitely where my interest in wine began.
Why I chose it
One of my favourite wines is Chablis, so when I was choosing my £20 bottle, I didn’t want to play it too safe and go for something obvious.
Instead, I picked Villard's Le Chardonnay from the Casablanca region in Chile. It’s the same grape as Chablis, but from a high-altitude vineyard, which made me think it would have a similar freshness and acidity – but hopefully with a different personality.
I liked the idea of trying something familiar, but not too predictable.
Emily's Gen Z Wine Challenge bottle
Villard, Le Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2024
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Alc: 13.6%
Available: £17.50 from The Wine Society
Interesting fact: After working in Australia for 15 years, France-born Thierry Villard settled in his wife's homeland of Chile and founded this winery in 1989. His son Jean-Charles has now taken over the family business.
What it tasted like
Straight away on the nose, it felt bright and inviting. Lots of citrus – lime and lemon – with softer stone fruit notes too.
I picked up peach, pear and apricot, which gave it a nice balance between freshness and ripeness. It already smelled like it had a bit more going on than a lean, mineral Chardonnay.
On the palate, I’d say that this wine definitely packs a punch! It is weightier than a Chablis and feels bolder, with more intensity and less restraint.
The acidity is noticeable – sharper and more upfront – but it’s balanced by oak undertones that bring in gentle vanilla flavours.
As it sat in the glass and had time to breathe, the oak really started to show itself, along with hints of spiced apple.
Emily said the wine really came into its own with food: she served it with white fish in a creamy cheese and parsley sauce.
Why I'd recommend it
That being said, this is not a wine I’d reach for to drink on its own; it very much made me want to eat something.
So I enjoyed a glass over dinner with my boyfriend, pairing it with white fish in a creamy cheese and parsley sauce. That’s when the wine really came into its own.
The richness of the food cut through the acidity perfectly, making the whole thing feel far more balanced and enjoyable.
The citrus freshness kept things lively, while the oak added warmth and depth. It was one of those wines that genuinely tasted better with every sip once food was involved.
Overall, this felt like a great choice for something a bit different without straying too far from my comfort zone.
It’s not the most refined Chardonnay I’ve ever had, but it’s bold, characterful and clearly meant for the table.
For the price, I’d happily buy it again – especially if I knew I had the right food to go with it.
Up for the Challenge?
Are you aged between 18 and 29 and want to take part in Decanter's Gen Z Wine Challenge? Email us at editor@decanter.com to introduce yourself and tell us why we should pick you. We are especially keen to hear from people living outside the UK, so don't be shy – drop us a line today!
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