2022 Bodega Chacra ‘Mainque’ Rio Negro Valley Patagonia Chardonnay

JS97 Such a flinty nose that delivers a full package of minerality. Quarry, chalk, gun powder and lime. The nose really speaks to you. Creamy and textured on the palate with bright but chiselled acidity and real tension. One of the best Mainque’s ever? Chacra’s answer to fine Chablis. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
Estate 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
100% Chardonnay Aged: 18% in concrete eggs, 25% in stainless steel tanks and 57% in French oak barrels (12% new) for 10 months. Vines are own-rooted, farmed biodynamically and organically.

Bodega Chacra owner Piero started a partnership to produce Chardonnay with Meursault legend Jean-Marc Roulot after a chance conversation. Some underperforming old Merlot vines were grafted to Chardonnay and the first vintage was released 2017. More plantings have followed as the region seems very suited to Chardonnays, which are taut, linear and minerally in style.