Chacra Chardonnay Patagonia 2024
Bodega Chacra · Patagonia, Argentina
At a glance
- Producer
- Bodega Chacra
- Region
- Patagonia, Argentina
- Grape variety
- Chardonnay
- Wine type
- White
- Body
- Light-bodied and Crisp
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $90-$120 (estimated futures; pricing may vary upon general release)
Tasting profile
Crisp citrus, white flowers, green apple, saline mineral edge. Firm acidity with modest oak influence.
Evolution: Over 2-3 years: more pronounced stone fruit, subtle nuttiness, creamier texture, persistent minerality.
At peak: 2017-2030: Expressive tension between freshness and mid-palate roundness, layered minerality, marked length.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium-plus to high; fresh and vibrant, structure for aging
- Tannins
- Low (typical of Chardonnay; structure from acidity rather than tannin)
- Alcohol
- Medium (12.5%–13.5% typical for this wine)
- Aging potential
- Strong for a New World Chardonnay due to organic farming and careful winemaking; best enjoyed within 8 years of vintage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2027 to 2030
- Optimal window
- 2025 to 2032
- Current status
- Very young, recently bottled or in barrel; intended for short-to-medium term cellaring.
- Current condition
- Bright, formative, with fresh acidity and primary fruit notes; likely to fill out and gain complexity after 2-3 years.
Chacra Chardonnay is crafted by Bodega Chacra in collaboration with revered winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot of Meursault. Organically and biodynamically farmed old-vine fruit from the cool Patagonian Rio Negro valley yields a vibrant Chardonnay with both immediate pleasure and medium-term aging potential. The wine reaches optimal complexity and balance after a few years in bottle, marrying Patagonian freshness with Burgundian finesse.
Food pairing
Patagonian trout, king crab, scallop ceviche, roast chicken, mild sheep's cheese. Dishes emphasizing freshness or subtle smoke work well.
Serving
- Decant
- Not required
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 9/10
Dry farming (minimal irrigation), organic compost, manual harvest. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Low-intervention winemaking. Recycled lightweight bottles, local cork supply, solar energy for estate operations.
Bodega Chacra is recognized globally for its commitment to regenerative agriculture—emphasizing biodiversity, native flora, and soil health. Vineyard management eschews synthetic chemicals. Water use is minimal due to natural climate suitability. The estate prioritizes renewable energy, on-site composting, and lightweight packaging. However, the estate’s remote Patagonia location means international buyers should consider the transportation footprint when assessing sustainability. Overall, Bodega Chacra sets a benchmark among Argentine wineries for environmental leadership, with ongoing efforts to further reduce emissions and enhance ecosystem resilience.