Bodega Chacra - Chardonnay 'Mainqué' 2024

Chacra was created by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta (the grandson of Sassicaia's creator), in 2004 with the intention of finding the most unobstructed expression of the climate, micro-climate, and terrior of Mainqué in the Río Negro region of Patagonia.

Río Negro is a a surprisingly perfect spot for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Smack in the middle of Patagonia, temperatures are high at times; but the strong winds coming down the Andes cool the vines. Night temperatures drop by as much as 40 degrees preserving the vital acidity and fruit qualities that make great wines.

Done in collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot, was picked early as the grapes ripened early but maintained acidity. Fermented in barrel without malolactic, spending 11 months in barrique, this has an up-front fruit, a salinity shared with Chacra Chardonnay, and a tasty finish lent by the calcareous components of the alluvial soil.

"Sourced predominately from sandy soils on the same property as the Lunita Pinot Noir, the 2024 Mainqué Chardonnay opens with a fresh, lifted bouquet with floral and herbal flourishes that gain volume with aeration. The palate is fittingly chiseled, slender and delicate, releasing into a long, nuanced and iodine-tinged finish that becomes increasingly nimble and dynamic in the glass." - 93 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"So linear and driven, with so much tension and intensity. Aromas of sliced apples, lemons and stones. Medium-bodied with flavors of apples, seashells, lemons and crushed stones. It goes on and on. Matured in 30% amphorae and 70% oak. Fantastic. Drink or hold." - 97 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Bodega Chacra

Country: Argentina

Region: Patagonia

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Patagonia

Vintage: 2024

Size: 750ml