Bodega Chacra Mainque Chardonnay 2025

Bodega Chacra Mainque Chardonnay 2025 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. Done in collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot, was picked early as the grapes ripened early but maintained acidity. Fermented in barrel without malolactic, spending 11 months in barrique, this has an up-front fruit, a salinity shared with Chacra Chardonnay, and a tasty finish lent by the calcareous components of the alluvial soil. 100% Chardonnay Aged: 18% in concrete eggs, 25% in stainless steel tanks and 57% in French oak barrels (10% new) for 10 months. Chock full of acacia florals, clear honey, river pebbles, white peach and this bordering on white chocolate character, there is an undeniably delicious nature to the pure and elegant framing here. The fruit is absolutely at the fore, and for some a world away from the familiar reductive, nature of the classic ‘Australian wine show’ Chardonnay. This feels more like a modern, young Meursault or Macconais producer, harnessing a mouthful of fruit and an undercurrent of pristine lime-zest like acidity. Just the right amount of grilled nuts and toast provide extra layers of complexity, and this lovely creamy texture oscillates in harmony with it’s mineral acidity to cascade into a beautiful finish. It’s an excellent drink, and has the capacity to be deleted in very quick time! "No frost this vintage, unlike the last two. Not warm not cold. No malo. 10% new oak. Highly perfumed, almond meal, honey florals, white peach, a little biscuit spice and matchstick, subtle but pleasant green tones. Light in body, cool acidity, pink grapefruit and white nectarine, some saline savoury things, quite flinty, honey almond perfume and cucumber on a long finish. A striking wine combining delicacy with flavour, and more importantly you can drink the hell out of it." 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front The saltiness in this chardonnay is so impressive, with aromas of sliced apples, honey, crushed stones and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, crunchy, vivid and flavorful, with hints of peaches and grape skin. 96 Points - James Suckling