2022 Fosil Chardonnay

Chardonnay. Selection of bunches. Filling of the concrete vessels by gravity. Fermentation with ambient yeasts in concrete vessels. 75% of the wine is aged in concrete while the remaining 25% is aged for 10 months in used, untoasted 500-l itre French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Argentina’s answer to premier cr u Chablis. Sebastian Zuccardi has eschewed any new oak influence for this bony, mineral and breathtaking Chardonnay. With a long, stony finish, the 2022 is in my opinion the most accomplished yet. Showing less is more, with pure power and drive from this cool - climate mountain terroir. (AB)

This is a wine that I have sought out several times since first tasting, picking it when I see it on wine lists as well as opening bottles at home. The vineyard is set at 1,400m altitude in one of the coolest areas of the Uco Valley, seeing 30% more rain than other sections, making this the last white harvested in the valley. It has tension and steel, well-defined white peach and citrus fruits, with lemongrass and fragrant spiced mint leaf. Limestone soils come through in grip and length. A wine that makes you rethink Argentinian whites, more proof that the Zuccardi project is worth following. Concrete fermentation, followed by 10% 500 litre barrels, no new oak for ageing. No malolactic because winemaker-owner Sebastian Zuccardi is looking to keep the natural acidity. 9,000 bottle production.

Pure and mineral nose with limey citrus and a hint of white almond. Quite transparent on the palate with an elegant but zingy mouthfeel. Transparent, but it also has lots of stamina and verve. 25% fermented in old 500 liter barrels. Drink now or hold.