Rocamadre Blanco 2022

TASTING NOTES

Paraje Altamira underwent a rapid transition from just a place people spoke highly of but which lacked formal definition, to an established ‘appellation’ in Argentina, only becoming so as recently as 2016. It’s in the southern Uco Valley of Mendoza at high altitudes of course, roughly 1,000 metres above sea level. It is unique among Argentine appellations in being founded along scientific, geological principles rather than geopolitics. It is also typified by smaller farms in the hands of families who have been here for generations.

Juanfa has developed something of a reputation for his Chardonnay from Paraje Altamira. This does initially scream “Chardonnay” at you, but takes you on a textural and sensorial journey. It’s delicious, waxy, saline, powerful and long. Coming from 25-year-old vines on stony soils at an altitude of 1,100 meters, it’s fermented naturally and aged for 12 months in old oak barrels then bottled unfiltered. Just 3,000 bottles produced.