Bodega Chacra, 'Mainqué' Chardonnay, Patagonia, Argentina, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Bodega Chacra is located in the Rio Negro Valley of northern Patagonia. The property’s location in the arid central Argentine desert is tempered by the confluence of the Neuquen and Limay Rivers, both of which flow from the Andes and converge in the Rio Negro, which in turn flows into the Atlantic. The climate is dry, with a maximum humidity of thirty percent and an average of seven inches of rainfall annually. This aridity, coupled with the natural barrier of the surrounding desert, results in a complete absence of phylloxera and vine diseases.

In Patagonia, a “chacra” is a special piece of land separated by canals that bring snowmelt from the Andes and make the Patagonian desert fertile. At the same time, chacras are vital energy centers that provide us with the ability to connect with the whole universe, with everything living and vibrating. In its nourishment, in the marriage with every meal, wine is the companion of pleasure and sensitivity. Wine is intimate and touches all our senses. Chacra aims to enhance that connection. Respecting and enhancing the community of Chacra is of the utmost importance.

Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

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Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay

Origin
Patagonia, Argentina

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
“Made in collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot. Mainqué is fermented in barrel without malolactic, spending 11 months in barrique. The wine has up-front fruit, a salinity shared with Chacra Chardonnay, and a tasty finish lent by the calcareous components of the alluvial soil.” -Piero Incisa

Mainque’ Chardonnay is hands-down one of the best Chardonnays to come out of the Southern Hemisphere. Rich, round, and balanced by bright acidity, with aging done in ex-Roulot barrels. The final wine shows notes of green apple skin, stone fruit, and minerals, marked by a salty, saline-tinged finish. Perfect for Burgundy lovers looking for something new!

97 Points - James Suckling
Apple, brioche, flint, pear and slate aromas with hints of apple tart follow through to a full body with gorgeous richness and depth, yet it grows on the palate. Very vertical and goes deep. Best ever. Drink or hold.

96 Points - Tim Atkin
Produced in what Piero Incisa della Rochetta describes as a “close to perfect” vintage for white wines, showing freshness as well as natural concentration, this is a superb Chardonnay made with the help of Burgundian legend, Jean-Marc Roulot. Lightly wooded in 30% new oak and clay amphoras, it has enticing flavours of vanilla, pistachio and orange zest and lipsmacking minerality. 2024-31

From the Buyer - Ian Blackburn 

Collect ASAP - This wine is now under stress of supply.  We were allocated 3 cases for the vintage.  

Product size: 750ml