Perfiles Calcareo Chardonnay

This chardonnay comes from soils rich in calcium carbonate in the Gualtallary area, about 1,300 meters above sea level in the north of the Uco Valley. Fermented without exogenous yeasts and aged in a stainless steel tank plus 30% of the volume in foudres, this is a lush and succulent chardonnay, that also has a very firm texture and sharp acidity. Ripe fruit flavors expand to occupy the entire palate. One for shrimp tempura.

Some of the highest vineyards in the world are found in Argentina, so it's always a wonder to me that people are surprised to find fresh, vibrant whites. If you doubt me, pour this, from the calcareous-rich soils of Gualtallary at 1300m. Perfiles translates as "profiles", and this tier aims to capture the profile of a single grape on a single soil, with minimal winemaking to unmask the site. This was destemmed, gently pressed and cold settled before going through malolactic fermentation in older French foudres, where it rested its lees for three months. Salty and grippy, with fine, savoury-hued lees and a stream of minerality throughout its long form. Bright lemon acidity and energy to the lively finish, which lingers with mineral salts. A beauty, and one that shows the potential of white grapes at altitude in Argentina. More like this please.