Finca Suarez Chardonnay

The Suarez family connection with Paraje Altamira goes way back. Juanfa Suarez’ great grandfather, Leopoldo, bought the finca in 1920 and established an experimental winery for varietal micro-vinifications.
Leopoldo’s son started planting in earnest in the 1960s and made good quality bulk wine for the domestic market, but the economic crisis that ensued commoditised wine in a way that made it commercially non-viable and he was forced to plant apples, pears and other fruits instead.
The finca stayed in family hands and Juanfa’s father finally returned the land to vines in the 1990s, initially just to sell the grapes. Today, most of the fruit (around 80%) is sold to other producers and Juanfa uses his best plots to make his own wines. His first vintage was 2013 and in a short space of time his wines have emerged as being really rather special.

Simply one of the best Argentine Chardonnays we’ve ever tasted, this stunning, under-stated wine is verging on ethereal. The nose is fresh and delicate with notes of apple blossom, peach and mandarin and just the faintest suggestion of oak. The palate is pristine and precise, tidy and stylish. The amazing fruit quality at Juanfa’s disposal, the complete lack of malolactic fermentation and the fact that only 15% of the wine is aged in French barrels for 12 months, makes for a wine that is simultaneously lean and luscious.

A great roast chicken wine. Or Turkey. Or any number of fish dishes. Creamy sauces. Pork Chops. All would be great matches.