Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay 2020

Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay 2020

 

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Chakana
Estate Selection Chardonnay 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Medium Bodied Aromatic Dry
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13°
  • Grappes : 90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc

Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay is a vibrant and complex white wine from the Altamira vineyard in the Uco Valley, Argentina, reflecting the elegance of high-altitude terroir.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 88 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Uco Valley is one of Argentina’s most renowned wine regions, known for its high-altitude vineyards and unique terroir. The Altamira vineyard, situated at an elevation of 3,200 feet (975 meters), benefits from cool nights and sunny days, ideal for preserving acidity and developing rich, concentrated flavors.

The soils in this region are sandy loam with calcareous gravels, which provide excellent drainage and impart a distinct minerality to the wine. Chakana’s commitment to organic farming ensures that the vineyard ecosystem thrives, enhancing the authenticity and expression of the terroir in every bottle.

Winemaking

This Chardonnay is made using indigenous yeasts to preserve its natural character. The winemaking process involves two different approaches: 25% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 6 months in oak, while the remaining 75% ferments and ages in concrete eggs, emphasizing freshness and minerality.

This combination of aging techniques creates a balanced wine that combines the creamy texture and subtle oak influence with the vibrant fruit and mineral-driven profile of the Chardonnay grape. The addition of 10% Sauvignon Blanc enhances the wine’s aromatic complexity and freshness.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Bright yellow with green reflections.
  • Aroma: Aromas of pineapple, toasty notes, and a fresh mineral character.
  • Palate: Medium-bodied, dense, and lively with a refreshing acidity. The palate combines ripe tropical fruit flavors with a long, mineral-driven finish.

Did You Know?

The name Chakana refers to the Southern Cross constellation, an ancient agricultural calendar for Andean civilizations. The jaguar depicted on the label was revered as the “lord of the starred night” by these ancient cultures, symbolizing strength and mystique.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Seared scallops with lemon butter sauce: The wine’s acidity and mineral notes balance the richness of the scallops.
  • Grilled chicken with herbs: Its toasty and tropical flavors pair beautifully with the savory and aromatic qualities of the dish.
  • Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan: The wine’s creamy texture and refreshing acidity enhance the richness and vegetal notes of the risotto.
  • Fresh goat cheese: The wine’s minerality and bright acidity cut through the cheese’s tangy richness.

History of Chakana

Founded in 2002 by the Pelizzatti family, Chakana takes its name from the Andean cross (Chakana), a symbol representing the connection between humanity and nature, as well as the balance between the physical, spiritual, and cosmic realms. This philosophy serves as the foundation of the winery’s ethos, emphasizing sustainability, harmony, and respect for the environment.

The Pelizzatti family, originally from the Valtellina region in northern Italy, has a rich winemaking heritage spanning several generations. They brought their expertise to Argentina with the goal of unlocking the potential of high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Over time, they identified the Uco Valley as a key region capable of producing wines with exceptional purity and complexity, and they have dedicated themselves to refining their craft there ever since.

In 2012, Chakana began a transition to biodynamic farming, becoming a pioneer in Argentina for this approach. The estate received Demeter biodynamic certification and organic certification shortly thereafter, setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible winemaking in the country. Their innovative practices, such as the use of native yeasts, no filtration, and aging in concrete eggs, reflect their commitment to preserving the authenticity and vibrancy of their wines.

Today, Chakana is recognized as a leader in crafting minimal-intervention wines that honor the Andean landscape and its rich cultural heritage. Their approach to winemaking combines ancient traditions with modern techniques, delivering wines that not only showcase terroir but also respect the ecological balance of their surroundings.

Region and Vineyards

Chakana’s vineyards are primarily located in the prestigious Uco Valley, nestled at the foothills of the Andes. The winery sources its grapes from three key areas:

  • Altamira: Situated at an altitude of 975 meters (3,200 feet), known for its calcareous soils and cool climate, producing wines with remarkable freshness and minerality.
  • Gualtallary: A high-altitude region at 1,675 meters (5,500 feet), with stony, mineral-rich soils, yielding complex and aromatic wines.
  • Agrelo: Located in Luján de Cuyo, this area offers warmer conditions and clay-rich soils, ideal for producing rich and concentrated reds.

All vineyards are cultivated with biodynamic and organic practices, ensuring that each wine is a true expression of its terroir.

Wine Range of Chakana

Chakana offers a diverse portfolio of wines, showcasing the unique characteristics of their vineyards:

  • Estate Selection: Premium wines crafted from single vineyards, highlighting varietals like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Torrontés.
  • Ayni: Exceptional wines from the Altamira vineyard, reflecting the harmony between nature and winemaking.
  • Singular: A series of innovative and unique wines, including orange wines and less conventional varietals.
  • Nuna Vineyard: A range of organic wines emphasizing fruit-forward and approachable styles.
  • Sobrenatural: Natural wines made with minimal intervention, focusing on purity and authenticity.

Did You Know?

Chakana was the first winery in Argentina to achieve Demeter certification for biodynamic viticulture, marking its dedication to sustainable practices. The jaguar on the label symbolizes the spiritual connection to the Andean culture and the preservation of the natural ecosystem.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 88 Points (2018)
Generic white fruit and mild oak aromas are easy to like but just as easy to overlook. A pulpy palate is oily and fairly full, with intermixed flavors of melon, orange and nectarine. A steady finish confirms that this is a Chardonnay with potential popular appeal. - MICHAEL SCHACHNER

Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2020
Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2020
Chakana
Estate Selection Red Blend 2020
RP
90
VN
94
TA
92
Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend is an expressive and harmonious wine from Argentina’s Uco Valley, crafted from a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This biodynamic wine reflects the purity and complexity of high-altitude Andean terroirs.
26,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Chakana Ayni Malbec 2020
Chakana Ayni Malbec 2020
Chakana
Ayni Malbec 2020
TA
94
JS
93
VN
94
Chakana Ayni Malbec is a profound and elegant wine from the renowned Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley, Argentina. Crafted with biodynamic principles, it reflects the harmony of nature and winemaking, offering a true expression of its Andean terroir.
33,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Chakana
Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
WE
91
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional wine from the Uco Valley in Argentina, showcasing the boldness and elegance of 100% organic Cabernet Sauvignon cultivated in high-altitude vineyards.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2019
Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2019
Chakana
Estate Selection Malbec 2019
DCT
93
VN
94
JS
91
With its intense purple hue, rich aromatics of plums, brambly berries, and violets, and a seamless balance of velvety tannins and fresh acidity, this wine is a true reflection of Andean terroir.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
Chakana
Estate Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
TA
91
JS
91
JD
89
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Franc is a sophisticated and expressive wine from the Gualtallary region in the Uco Valley, Argentina. This 100% Cabernet Franc showcases the biodynamic principles and high-altitude terroir that define Chakana’s winemaking philosophy.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Chakana 20 Vueltas al Sol BIO Malbec 2020
Chakana 20 Vueltas al Sol BIO Malbec 2020
Chakana
20 Vueltas al Sol BIO Malbec 2020
Chakana 20 Vueltas al Sol BIO Malbec is an exquisite and eco-friendly wine, offering a vibrant expression of 100% organic Malbec from the Paraje Altamira appellation in the Uco Valley, Argentina. Its bold flavors and elegant structure make it a true celebration of sustainable winemaking.
49,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Chakana Singular Orange Torrontes 2023
Chakana Singular Orange Torrontes 2023
Chakana
Singular Orange Torrontes 2023
JS
91
VN
89
TA
92
Chakana Singular Orange Torrontés is an intriguing and unique orange wine from Argentina’s Uco Valley, crafted with extended skin contact to highlight the complexity and depth of the Torrontés varietal.
22,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
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20,50 €
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