Retamo Chardonnay

Retamo wines from Argentina are part of the large winery Bodegas Esmeralda, which is no stranger to the area. The winery has a long history of producing exquisite wines and is based in the Mendoza region. The Chardonnay vineyards for this white Retamo wine are situated at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. The soil structure of the world-famous Valle de Uco vineyard is perfect for the Chardonnay grape. The winery has recently invested heavily in modern winemaking techniques and in the maintenance of its old vineyards.

The high and old vineyard of Retamo

At high altitude, we find a very old vineyard that today produces truly beautiful and full-bodied Chardonnay grapes. They grow in abundant sunshine, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. The fresh breeze from the mountaintops and the sharp drop in nighttime temperatures ensure the Chardonnay grapes retain some freshness. The harvest is hand-harvested at ideal ripeness and is strictly controlled. Each bunch is visually inspected, and only the finest are used in this Retamo white wine. This results in a low yield per hectare but exceptional quality. After pressing, this white wine undergoes extensive oak aging in the Retamo cellars. Both French and American oak are used, further enhancing its fullness.

Full and very powerful this Retamo Chardonnay

The result is an Argentinean thoroughbred with exceptional suppleness. Upon opening, we were immediately surprised, as this white wine offered hints of tropical fruit, vanilla, and light spices. Take a large glass, and upon pouring, you'll see a golden yellow color, attributable to its long aging in oak barrels. Nosing the glass, we noted nuances of peach, toast, and caramel, nuts and ripe pear, a hint of citrus, and pleasant exotic fruit. On the palate, this Retamo Chardonnay completes everything, presenting the palate with a warm and powerful palette of exotic fruit. Swirl it around the palate, and it reveals everything, bringing to mind peach, pineapple, fresh nuts, and vanilla. On the back of the tongue, the familiar buttery note and, of course, the beautiful hints of oak aging.