# Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Terrazas Vineyards
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** citrus, peach, pear, grapefruit, brioche, vanilla, toasted nuts

## About this wine

Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay 2022 is a white wine from Argentina's Mendoza region, specifically the Uco Valley. The grapes are sourced from high-altitude vineyards, with some sites reaching up to 1500 meters, and are in transition to organic farming. Founded in 1999 by Bodegas Chandon, Terrazas de los Andes emphasizes a vineyard-first philosophy, aiming to express the unique terroir of its elevated sites. The producer's approach focuses on selecting specific vineyard plots across natural terraces to capture distinct microclimates, contributing to the wine's character.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are planted up to 1500 meters (nearly 5000 feet) high.
- The winery is a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy.
- Vineyards are in transition to organic farming.
- Awarded 92 points by James Suckling for the 2022 vintage.

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced acidity and medium-full body complement rich dishes without overpowering them. Creamy sauces and fatty fish are well-matched by the wine's texture and subtle oak notes, while citrus elements in the wine can echo citrus in the food.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay 2022 emphasizes the expression of high-altitude terroir. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in Gualtallary and El Peral, Uco Valley, at elevations ranging from 1200 to 1500 meters. The vineyards are currently transitioning to organic farming practices. Following harvest, the wine undergoes gentle oak aging, with some indications of 6 months in primarily used French oak barrels. This aging process is designed to impart subtle complexity and texture while allowing the inherent characteristics of the Chardonnay grapes from these unique high-altitude sites to remain prominent.