Alamos Chardonnay 2024

Alamos Chardonnay is made in Mendoza, in the Cuyo region of western Argentina, by the team behind Catena Zapata, one of the country's leading producers. Mendoza is high desert viticulture, with vineyards planted at altitude in the rain shadow of the Andes. The climate is dry and sunny with warm days and markedly cool nights, and that wide diurnal swing lets Chardonnay ripen to generous fruit while holding acidity and freshness. Irrigation draws on Andean snowmelt, and the stony alluvial soils drain well and keep vigour in check. This is a fresh, fruit forward style with the emphasis on primary character rather than heavy oak, so the aromatics stay clean and lifted. The wine is golden yellow with greenish reflections. The nose is aromatic and ripe, blending pineapple and mango with ripe pear, melon and a floral note, backed by citrus. The palate is medium bodied and rounded, with stonefruit and tropical fruit balanced by a clear line of acidity through a clean finish. It offers an easy way into Argentine white wine. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits richer fish and roast poultry.