Bodegas Chacra - Chardonnay 2020

Bodega Chacra is located in the Rio Negro Valley of northern Patagonia, in the dead centre of Argentina.

Founded in 2003 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta - the grandson of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, creator of Sassacaia, one of the monuments of Italian. After trying a Patagonian Pinot at a tasting in NYC, Piero began searching for site in the Rio Negro region, a search that bore fruit in the Mainque region. He took over a site with ungrafted vines dating back to 1932, and the development of a world class winery too shape, with a focus on organic and biodynamic viticulture.

He brought legendary Meursault producer Jean-Marc Roulot on board to aid in the planting and vinification of Chardonnay - not a bad advisor!>

Piero's dedication to producing outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay was rewarded when Chacra Treinta y Dos Pinot 2018 was named Best Wine in the World by James Suckling.

Bodega Chacra owner Piero started a partnership to produce Chardonnay with Meursault legend Jean-Marc Roulot after a chance conversation. Some underperforming old Merlot vines were grafted to Chardonnay and the first vintage was released 2017. More plantings have followed as the region seems very suited to Chardonnays, which are taut, linear and minerally in style.

"There’s real direction and clarity to this white with sliced dried apples, crushed stones and minerals on the nose, as well as hints of biscuit and praline. Some honeysuckle and lemon-grass undertones, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and lively with a line of fresh acidity running through the palate, providing energy and depth. From the owner of Chacra and Burgundy’s Jean-Marc Roulot. Drinkable now, but much better in three to four years. Try after 2023. (6/22/21)"

"The 2020 Chardonnay Chacra was made in partnership with the Burgundy winemaker Jean Marc Roulot with grapes from a vineyard planted in 1980 in Río Negro. Sixty-two percent of the wines was aged in mostly used barrels, the rest in concrete eggs and amphorae for 11 months. Greenish yellow in hue. The aromas feature pears and a hint of lemon with an attractively bold bouquet of herbs followed by ginger and honey. In the mouth, it’s compact and saline with a lively, packaged flow and delicate nuances. An expressive, long-lasting Chardonnay of tension and a chalky texture. Drink: 2022-2028. (Mar 2022)"