Zuccardi Botánico Chardonnay 2022

Description Zuccardi Botánico is an elegant, fine, and highly complex high-altitude white wine sourced from the extreme, temperate, and arid desert climate of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, specifically from the "Monasterio" area at an altitude of 1,360 to 1,385 meters above sea level. Grown on sandy and calcareous soils with layers of caliche and stone, where the vines coexist with native flora like chañares, espinillos, and jarillas, this pure Chardonnay is crafted following a meticulous bunch selection and direct pressing. Fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats, 90% of the wine is aged in concrete while the remaining 10% undergoes aging in used, un-toasted 500-liter French oak barrels without undergoing malolactic fermentation. This careful winemaking approach delivers a wine of remarkable balance that perfectly captures a great harmony between juiciness and freshness. "Showing a brilliant clarity in the glass, the nose opens with great elegance and complexity, displaying crisp, fresh fruit characters beautifully layered with distinctive mineral notes driven by its unique calcareous and stony origins. On the palate, it enters with a fine and precise structure, showcasing a vibrant, intact natural acidity that provides incredible tension. Its texture is beautifully balanced, leading into a long, refreshing, and highly expressive finish that stays true to its mountain desert terroir." (Note: As official tasting notes were not explicitly provided in the technical sheet of image_5ded19.png, this description was crafted based on its premium grape variety, specific terroir, and aging methods). Technical Sheet Winery: Zuccardi Valle de Uco Type: White Wine Vintage: 2022 Varietal: Chardonnay Blend: 100% Chardonnay Vinification: Bunch selection followed by direct pressing; fermented with native yeasts in concrete vessels with no malolactic fermentation Aging: 90% of the wine is aged in concrete vessels, while the remaining 10% is aged in used, un-toasted 500-liter French oak barrels Winemakers: Sebastián Zuccardi (Winemaking Director) & Laura Principiano (Head Winemaker) Alcohol: 13.3% Total Acidity: 7.42 g/L pH: 3.1 Region: Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,360–1,385 m | 4,462–4,544 ft) Serving Temperature: 10–12°C (50–54°F) Country: Argentina Food Pairing: Grilled sea bass, fresh oysters, salmon ceviche, creamy mushroom pasta, poultry dishes, and goat or semi-hard cheeses Aging Potential: Up to 8 years