Luca Chardonnay G Lot

Luca G Lot Chardonnay 2023 Mendoza

Luca G Lot Chardonnay 2023 is the high-altitude Chardonnay from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, a vineyard that has been showcasing Mendoza's elegance since the early 1990s. The wine is named after the G Lot vineyard, where the grapes grow at 1,500 meters above sea level in a cool, rocky landscape with rich limestone soil. What makes Luca G Lot Chardonnay 2023 so special? It is a powerful yet refined Chardonnay that combines ripe Argentinian fruit with tension, freshness, and a distinct minerality, making it almost reminiscent of a grand Burgundy.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Luca G Lot Chardonnay come from Argentina, from Mendoza, from the Uco Valley, and specifically from Gualtallary in Tupungato. The G Lot vineyard was planted in 1992 and was the first Chardonnay vineyard at extreme altitude in Mendoza, at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The soil is rocky and highly calcareous, with dense limestone sediments between the stones, which creates tight acidity and pronounced minerality in the wine. The high altitude ensures intense sunshine during the day and very cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining their freshness. Laura Catena deliberately chose this plot to create a Chardonnay that is clearly Argentinian in its expression, yet closely resembles the classic Old World in structure and tension.

Vinification and maturation

The grapes are harvested by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe bunches are brought to the cellar. Fermentation takes place at very low temperatures, with approximately 80% of the must fermented in oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel tanks. A large portion of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity and round out the mouthfeel, while maintaining its freshness. The wine is then aged for 12 months on the lees in oak barrels, 25% new and the rest second-year. This lees aging adds creaminess, complexity, and subtle notes of toast and spice. With around 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.55, and a total acidity of 5.5 g/l, the wine retains its tautness and elegance, while the oak aging imparts a distinct, luxurious signature.

Grape composition

Chardonnay – Gualtallary, Uco Valley
Luca G Lot Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay from the G Lot vineyard in Gualtallary, planted in 1992 on rocky, chalky soils at 1,500 metres altitude, which gives the wine its combination of ripe yellow fruit, creaminess and vibrant minerality.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Luca G Lot Chardonnay 2023 has a bright, lemon-yellow to light golden color. The aroma reveals notes of lemon cream, white peach, and baked pear, complemented by vanilla, baking spices, and a distinct mineral note. The palate reveals the oak aging even more prominently, with notes of toast, vanilla, and nutmeg, supported by tropical fruits such as pineapple, melon, and ripe apple. The texture is creamy but not heavy, with a long, stony finish where the minerality and fresh acidity lift the palate. Serve this Chardonnay preferably at 6 to 8°C. At the table, it pairs beautifully with dishes featuring sautéed mushrooms or rich butter sauces, such as pasta with mushroom cream sauce, butter-fried sole, or other refined fish and poultry dishes. Its creamy yet fresh style also comes into its own with many pork dishes, making this a distinctly gastronomic wine.