Manos Negras, Chardonnay
Bright white stone fruit flavours with a touch of the tropical. The very cold nights help to retain natural acidity for a crisp, clean finish. A textural, mouth filling white. No oak.
Alejandro Sejanovich is arguably Argentina’s most knowledgeable viticulturist, working as vineyard director for Bodega Catena Zapata for 16 years, before joining Manos Negras in 2010. Awarded Top 10 Wine makes in South America by Decanter. Tim Atkin MW named Alejandro, Winemaker of the Year 2021.
Sourced from the high altitude Los Arboles district of the Uco Valley, located at 1200 meters asl. Situated in the Tunuyan county, Los Arboles is right in the middle of the Uco Valley, nestled in the Andean foothills. The “El Presidente” vineyard was planted in 1998 and boasts a mountain vineyard soil profile of shallow, light sand with about 15% surface stones. The sub soil is made up of round rocks with a high content of calcium carbonate – imparting stony minerality to the fruit. The area cool yet sunny days, and cold mountain nights.
Gentle whole cluster pressing followed by cold decantation at 6° C. Natural yeast fermentation, with gentle lees mixing, and maximum temperature. of 20° C. The total fermentation time was 11 days.
James Suckling 91 Points
This chardonnay shows a solid center palate of dried-apple, lemon and white-peach character. Medium body. Hints of bread dough and yogurt. Cooked-apple finish. Drink now. 91 Points, JS, Feb 2020.
