Alpataco Chardonnay, Familia Schroeder 2022
Country
Argentina
Region
Patagonia
Producer
Familia Schroeder
Grape(s)
Chardonnay (100%)
Type
White
Style
Fruity
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Light bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Off dry
Alcohol Content
13%
Closure Style
Plastic cork
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
No
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
No
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
Patagonia is the most southerly wine producing region of Latin America, lying to the south of Mendoza and las Pampas. With considerable new investment, Argentinian Patagonia is fast emerging as the country`s most exciting cool climate vineyard, making elegant wines with balance and complexity in contrast to the more heavier reds of Mendoza. The region includes two important wine producing provinces, Neuquen beneath the Andes, and the Rio Negro towards the Atlantic Ocean. These are semi-arid, alluvial desert vineyards which benefit from constant sun and breezes that help mitigate disease. The vines can produce cool climate varieties including Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc with good aroma and concentration as well as perfect levels of acidity.
Producer
Familia Schroeder’s winery and the surrounding vineyards are located in San Patricio del Chañar, Patagonia at the heart of the southernmost wine region of Argentina. The winery’s building, perched on a gentle slope that dominates the vineyards, with an architecture that blends naturally with the surroundings, takes advantage of the differences of level, allowing a gravity flown winemaking. When construction began to build the winery, a dinosaur was unearthed and in tribute to this 75-million-year giant, the name Saurus was given in tribute! Located at 39’ Latitude South in San Patricio del Chanar near Neuquen the Schroeder vineyards are planted on gravelly soils and combined with warm days and cool nights provide near perfect conditions for grape cultivation.
Tasting Notes
This oaked Chardonnay is a golden yellow in colour with hints of green. Strong citrus aroma on the nose which also comes through on the palate with notes of tropical and stone fruits and a flinty streak of minerality, typical of the terroir on which the grapes are grown. Well integrated oak gives elegant vanilla and adds body. The weight of the wine is balanced perfectly by a refreshing, citric acidity, the essence of fruit remains long on the palate.
Food
Steamed cod with lemon sauce, grilled chicken and spaghetti carbonnara.
Media
Peter Richards awarded 91 points in Decanter March 2020.
