Botanico Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The new white 2021 Botánico comes from their two vineyards in the Monasterio part of Gualtallary, the informal division of the zone (still not approved due to bureaucratic problems with the name), and is a lieu-dit or paraje wine. This is very austere, sharp and mineral, reminiscent of a Chablis. This was harvested very early, almost one month earlier than the Fósil from San Pablo, as Gualtallary ripens earlier. It fermented and matured 70% in concrete eggs and 30% in used 500-liter oak barrels; but there is no aromatic or flavor influence from the oak, as they want to keep the wine as transparent as possible with the character from the soils—limestone and caliche calcareous stone. This has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.23 and 7.36 grams of acidity. It's clean, precise, subtle, elegant, transparent, balanced and symmetric ,with purity and clarity. It has a shaper palate with effervescent sensation of chalk with lemon juice, with lots of energy. This should develop nicely in bottle. I'd like to have a time machine to see what this does at age 15... 5,000 bottles were filled in December 2021. I had the chance to taste the still unbottled 2022, and it felt every bit as good as this.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
First vintage of this wine for them. Smells very different from the Fósil, more herbal, like wild grasses on a citrus foundation. More grapefruit than lemon. Bone dry, chewy and with mouth-watering intensity. Lots of potential as the vines age. (JH)
The 2021 Chardonnay Botánico from Gualtallary, Uco Valley, was 50% aged in concrete, 50% in old 500-liter barrels. A light golden yellow in hue. The nose presents apple and creamed corn with hints of herbs and subtle woody notes. In the mouth, it starts out broad before the flow is tightened up by the precise freshness, which also enhances the flavor. Long-lasting with a fruity finish, this is very much a high-altitude Chardonnay.
About the producer
Based in the Uco Valley, Zuccardi is one of Argentina’s leading producers. Family owned and run – today by third-generation Sebastián Zuccardi – the property crafts pure-fruited wines that speak of their mountainous Mendoza terroir.