Bodega Chacra Chardonnay 2024

Bodega Chacra Chardonnay 2024

Chacra was created by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta 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. Respecting the environment by following biodynamic and organic principles, Piero strives to make wines that are transparent, pure, delicate, and floral with a strong minerality.

The Chardonnay bottlings were philosophised, farmed and produced in conjunction with famed Meursault producer Jean-Marc Roulot, a collaboration of friendship spanning both hemispheres. Vineyards are now 40 years of age, with fermentation occurring in a mixture of concrete eggs, seasoned French wood and stainless steel – embracing Burgundian techniques and philosophies, but with a quintessentially, mineral, Patagonian core and ethos.

These routinely don’t last long in the shop, the collaboration helps, but the wines themselves shouldn’t be limited to a mere connection and relationship. They stand on their own two feet, proudly, as Patagonian Chardonnay – electric and mineral, as good as Chardonnay can get in the new world! Limited volumes as always.

In collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot, is produced from 40 year old vines in mineral soils with alluvial stones covered in calcaire. The wine is intense and energetic, high pitched and lively, round and austere, refined and mineral. It has a dry mouthfeel and a saltiness natural to the area.

100% Chardonnay Aged: 20% in concrete eggs, 15% in stainless steel tanks and 20% in used French oak barrels for 10 months.

"White fruit, almond, vanilla wafer, a honey white flower perfume, stony, a little dusting of pepper. Lime in water, very cool feel, very tight, peppermint tea, white blanched almond, bright and long with a finish of really excellent length. Super. Tense. An outstanding, yet restrained Chardonnay of impeccable presentation and wonderful character." 96 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Aromas of honeysuckle, limes, green apples and a hint of cedar. It’s medium-bodied yet very dense and compact on the palate. It’s like a tight fist with the fruit and fine phenolics. Long finish. A structured and impressive young wine. Drink in two or three years. 98 Points - James Suckling

It’s no mean feat to achieve this level of concentration and complexity in a Chardonnay with just 12% alcohol. Made with grapes from a 1950s vineyard that was grafted over from Merlot in 2015, it’s one of the finest Chardonnays in South America, with just 5% new wood, an important amphora component, top notes of fennel and jasmine, steely acidity, a touch of petrichor and a persistent lemon juice palate. 97 Points - Tim Atkin MW