Otronia Block III & VI Chardonnay 2019

Region and Vineyards

Bodega Otronia is located in Sarmiento, Chubut, at latitude 45°33’ S, pushing the southern boundaries of viticulture in Patagonia, Argentina. This extreme latitude brings a cold, dry climate with constant winds, and intense sunlight, conditions that are rare in traditional winemaking regions. The vineyards are characterized by heterogeneous soils, with stony and well-drained compositions that contribute to the wine’s mineral complexity and structure.

The grapes for Block III & VI Chardonnay are sourced from parcel 22, an area within the Otronia estate that is carefully managed to handle the challenging weather conditions. These conditions slow down ripening, enhancing concentration and preserving natural acidity, which adds vibrancy and longevity to the wine.

Winemaking

Otronia Block III & VI Chardonnay is crafted with precision to capture the specific terroir of the selected blocks. Harvested in March, the grapes undergo direct pressing to obtain the purest must. The wine is then aged in French oak foudres for 18 to 20 months, a technique that preserves its natural fruit character while adding subtle texture and complexity. The result is a Chardonnay with a unique balance of richness and freshness, emphasizing the Patagonian terroir.

With an alcohol content of 13.3%, a pH of 3.2, and a high acidity of 9 g/L, this Chardonnay is designed for both immediate enjoyment and aging potential, with tension and structure that will evolve in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale yellow with green hues, indicating freshness and youth.
• Aroma: Aromas of white fruits such as peach and pear, with floral hints, herbal notes of chamomile tea, and thyme, evoking the natural Patagonian environment.
• Palate: Defined by freshness and depth, with flavors of white fruits and a vibrant, mineral-driven acidity. The wine has a long, persistent finish, with tension and vitality that reflect the unique climate and soils.

Did you know?

The Block III & VI Chardonnay is produced at one of the southernmost vineyards in the world, where constant Patagonian winds and cool temperatures make viticulture challenging but rewarding. These conditions allow Bodega Otronia to create wines with a unique profile, combining freshness, minerality, and the potential for long-term aging, which is uncommon for many New World Chardonnays.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs: The wine’s acidity and mineral notes complement the freshness of sea bass, while its herbal aromas enhance the lemon and herbs.
• Roasted Chicken with Thyme and Fennel: The wine’s herbal and floral notes pair well with the delicate flavors of roasted chicken and fennel.
• Goat Cheese Tart with Honey and Rosemary: The wine’s acidity balances the richness of goat cheese and honey, while its herbal aromas resonate with the rosemary.
• Risotto with Asparagus and Parmesan: The fresh acidity and minerality of the wine cut through the creamy risotto, complementing the earthy asparagus and Parmesan.

History of Bodega Otronia Estate

Founded in 2008, Bodega Otronia began as an ambitious project to plant vines in one of the world’s southernmost wine regions. Under the guidance of winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia, recognized as one of Argentina's top young winemakers, the estate successfully overcame the challenges of harsh winds, frost, and a short yet intensely sunny growing season. This commitment has positioned Otronia as a leader in producing organic wines that balance vibrant acidity with pure fruit expression.

Region and Vineyards

The vineyards of Bodega Otronia, planted at an altitude of 300 meters in the cold, dry region of Sarmiento, Chubut, benefit from constant winds and limestone-rich soils. These conditions limit disease pressure, enabling organic viticulture with minimal intervention. Each vineyard block is carefully managed to optimize terroir expression, producing wines with distinct minerality and complexity.

Wine Range

Bodega Otronia produces a select range of wines crafted to reflect the challenging environment of Sarmiento. The flagship series includes:

• 45 Rugientes Pinot Noir: Named after the “roaring forties” winds, this Pinot Noir highlights fresh red fruit flavors, fine tannins, and a distinct minerality, emblematic of the region’s rocky soils.
• Block III & VI Chardonnay: Known for its vibrant acidity, complexity, and subtle minerality, this Chardonnay captures the tension and balance of the estate’s cool-climate vineyards.
• Otronia 45 Rugientes Merlot and Pinot Noir blends: These blends are made with a focus on showcasing the high-altitude Patagonian terroir, where freshness, structure, and finesse are key.

Each wine is vinified with techniques like whole-cluster fermentation and aging in large French oak foudres and concrete vats to enhance complexity and maintain the natural freshness imparted by the cold Patagonian climate.

Did you know?

Bodega Otronia’s location at latitude 45°33' S places it within the notorious “roaring forties” wind belt, which brings persistent, high-intensity winds that help to reduce disease pressure naturally. This windy, cool environment is not only challenging for vine management but also contributes to the unique quality of the wines, allowing Bodega Otronia to produce organic wines with remarkable natural acidity and aging potential.