Patagonia Select Chardonnay

Patagonia Select Chardonnay 2007.jpg
Wine Producer: 

Familia Schroeder

Winemaker: 

Leonardo Puppato

Wine Style: 
White
Winery Info: 

Schroeders winery is located outside Neuquen a sizeable rambling provincial town about an hours flight south of Buenos Aires by plane on the northern fringes of the brown desert of Patagonia. Snow melt water from the Andes the river Neuquen and manmade canals make the area an oasis of fruit cultivation. Winemaking takes place in an airy and light new winery dating from 2001 that is energy efficient due to its hillside location and the use of gravity in the wine process. Roberto Schroeder manages the familys agricultural interests while winemaker Leonardo Puppato is the winemaker and king of the vineyards. Exports make up 55% of their production and they export to 17 countries.

Vineyard information: 

An initial 140 hectares were planted in 2001 with more capacity possible so vine age is increasing at a pace. Yields are approximately 7000 kilos per hectare. The soil is based on ancient bedrock 75 million years old and is poor in organic material making it relatively infertile. Patagonias high latitude (39S) means plentiful light during the growing season and the distinct rain shadow effect of the Andes makes the area very dry and sunny. Windy conditions necessitate windbreak tree planting in the vineyards but vine diseases are rare in the wellventilated conditions. All in all ideal cool climate conditions for producing healthy high quality grapes with plenty of natural acidity. Schroeders commitment to quality means that green harvesting accounts for as much as 15

Abv: 
13%
Grape Variety: 

Chardonnay

Tasting Note: 

This attractive wine is greenish yellow in colour and shows both ripeness and maturity. The nose is complex with citrus aromas combining elegantly with some white flowers and mineral scents.The oak fermentation brings some gentle vanilla and cocoa notes. The mouthfeel is pleasant fruity with a good acidity and very well balanced. It is a persistent wine that holds the flavours long into the finish.

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