A glass of Argentinian Chardonnay accompanied by various cheeses with Mount Aconcagua, the Andes’ highest mountain in the background.
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Argentina’s diverse terroirs and high-altitude vineyards have positioned it as a notable producer of Chardonnay, offering a spectrum of styles from crisp, unoaked expressions to rich, barrel-fermented wine. The Uco Valley, particularly areas like Los Árboles, is renowned for producing high-quality Chardonnay grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavor profiles, thanks to its elevation and cool climate. Below are tasting notes on a selection of Argentinian Chardonnay wines.
Argentinian Chardonnay is renowned for its versatility, reflecting the diverse terroirs and high-altitude vineyards of regions like the Uco Valley in Mendoza and Patagonia. The country’s unique climate and winemaking techniques create Chardonnays with distinctive profiles:
The aroma profile of Argentinian Chardonnay features fruity notes of fresh tropical fruits, especially pineapple, mango, papaya, and citrus elements of lemon zest, lime, and grapefruit.
There are floral aromas of white flowers and, in cooler climates, orange blossoms. The higher-elevation vineyards also feature a wet stone minerality. Oak aging contributes vanilla, toasted almonds, and baking spices.
The flavor profile varies from fresh and crisp to rich and creamy. Unoaked Chardonnays often exhibit vibrant acidity, showcasing citrus and green apple flavors with a clean finish.
Oaked Chardonnays present layers of butterscotch, honey, and ripe tropical fruits balanced by a smooth, rounded texture. High-altitude vineyards contribute a distinctive wet stone minerality, adding complexity and structure to the wine.
Finally, Argentinian Chardonnay often balances richness with vibrant acidity, making it versatile for pairing with various dishes.
This diversity in style and expression ensures that Argentinian Chardonnay appeals to traditional Chardonnay enthusiasts and those seeking something unique.
Expanse of vineyard at foot of the snowy Andes. Uco valley, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Trapiche Medalla Chardonnay 2021, Los Árboles, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. $30
Los Árboles, located in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200-1,500 meters/3,940-4,920 feet above sea level.
This high-altitude location contributes significantly to the region’s unique terroir. The cooler temperatures preserve acidity in grapes, while the intense sunlight enhances phenolic ripeness, leading to vibrant flavors and deep color in wines. The wide diurnal temperature variation also promotes balanced sugar and acid development in the fruit, resulting in complex wines. Los Árboles is mainly known for producing exceptional Chardonnay wines.
The wine is aged 9 months in new French oak barrels, followed by 6 months of bottle aging. Its color is pale straw yellow with greenish hues. On the nose, it features aromas of tropical fruits, especially pineapple, and mango, intertwined with subtle spicy notes, honeysuckle, and hints of freshly baked brioche.
It’s full-bodied and crisp on the palate, showcasing flavors of ripe tropical fruits, complemented by nuances of vanilla and buttered toast from the oak aging. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering tropical fruit and wood spice notes.
Trapiche Oak Cask Chardonnay 2023, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $10
The Trapiche vineyards are 950-1,100 meters/3,117-3,600 feet in elevation. The wine is aged for 6 months in French and American oak barrels. It is bright yellow with subtle green hues.
The nose features aromas of tropical fruits, with notes of crème brûlée, lemon meringue pie, and crisp pear. It is smooth and silky on the palate with a brisk acidity. It features flavors of lemon zest/ lemon blossom and brioche. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of oak and citrus.
Mascota Vineyards Unánime Chardonnay 2022, Uco Valley, Mendoza. $17
The wine is produced from vineyards in the Uco valley at an elevation of 1,300 meters/4,200 feet. It’s aged for six months sur lie (on the lees) in French oak barrels. About 30% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation.
The color is a light golden hue. The nose features white flowers, citrus zest, tropical fruits, and a touch of wet stone minerality. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with a brisk acidity. It features flavors of green apple, pear, and subtle vanilla notes, indicating some oak influence. The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering tropical fruit and almond notes.
Kaiken Ultra Chardonnay 2022, Uco Valley, and Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. $24
The wine is produced from vineyards at 1,000-1,300 meters/3280-4,200 feet in the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza.
The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels for up to a year, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation to add creaminess.
The wine is a bright gold with greenish reflections. The nose features intense aromas of citrus fruits, white peach, and floral notes, complemented by hints of vanilla and toast from the oak aging.
It’s rich, creamy, and flavorful on the palate, with a brisk acidity and a balance between acidity and fruitiness. It features flavors of lemon zest, stone fruit, particularly apricot, and the region’s characteristic wet stone minerality. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering minerality and subtle oak notes.
Luigi Bosca Chardonnay 2023, Uco Valley, Mendoza. $22
The Luigi Bosca wine is produced from vineyards in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, at an elevation of 1,300 meters/4,200 feet.
The wine is typically aged in French oak barrels for various lengths of time to enhance complexity and mouthfeel. Some portion of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. The color is a clear, pale yellow with gold highlights. The nose features aromas of ripe tropical fruits, especially pineapple and banana, intertwined with citrus notes and a touch of vanilla.
The palate is medium to full-bodied and smooth, with a brisk acidity featuring stone fruit, tropical fruit notes of peach and melon, and a buttery hint. The finish is long and smooth, with a lingering fruity aftertaste.
These Chardonnays exemplify Argentina’s ability to produce high-quality white wines that reflect the country’s unique terroir and the winemakers’ craftsmanship. These are outstanding wines, readily available, and very reasonably priced! See also The Exceptional Wine Values From Argentina.