The French Adventurers Behind Terrazas de Los Andes
Terrazas de Los Andes is the story of French adventurers who followed their dream to unleash the magic of the top of the world delivering world class mountain wines. At Terrazas their belief is that the best wines are grown not made - cultivating their own grapes in a unique and admired collection of twelve high altitude cool climate vineyards. Located in the seven most exceptional appellations of Argentina; Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley. Amazed by the mysterious powers of the top of the world, nature commands the mountain. There is minimum intervention to allow the purest expression of the natural attributes of these high altitude terroirs.
A Symphony of Mountain-Grown Elegance
Every sip of wine from Terrazas de los Andes gives the feeling of a breath of fresh air from some of the most extraordinary mountains of the world.Terrazas de los Andes Grand Chardonnay comes from vineyards in Gualtallary (Finca Caicayén and Finca El Espinillo). Although primarily known for Malbec, Chardonnay holds a special significance within the winery. Terrazas de los Andes has been crafting Chardonnay wines since 2002. However, it wasn't until 2018, after extensive experimentation, that they proudly introduced Grand Chardonnay to their portfolio; the embodiment of the finest and most refined expression of mountain-grown Chardonnay.The heart of this exceptional wine originates from plot 1 at Finca Caicayén in Gualtallary, situated at an elevation of 1,230m above sea level. This plot stands out due to its unique east-west row orientation.
The Art and Science Behind Terrazas de los Andes Grand Chardonnay
While this orientation is not very common in Mendoza, it provides the Chardonnay vines with the advantage of a slower ripening process, giving crisper acidity and preserving the primary citrus and floral characteristics and aromas that define this blend. The plot is further subdivide into six sub-parcels based on soil characteristics, each vinified separately. Furthermore, in the higher altitudes of Gualtallary, reaching 1,650m above sea level, lies another vineyard, which year after year plays an increasingly significant role in this blend; Finca El Espinillo, with a particular focus on plot 22. In this cooler section of Gualtallary, the Chardonnay develops more pronounced citrus and floral notes, adding complexity and freshness to the blend.Production of Terrazas de los Andes Grand Chardonnay is characterised by an early harvest process, including direct pressing using a vertical press in the sub-parcels. Fermentation takes place in barrels (78%) and French oak foudres (22%), of which 20% are first-use barrels, while the remainder are second and third fill. During fermentation, a partial malolactic fermentation is carried out, meaning that a certain amount of malic acid is retained (2 g/L). After this, the wine ages for eight months, following which it undergoes blending, stabilisation and filtration. This meticulously crafted process is essential in achieving the exceptional quality and character of Terrazas de los Andes Grand Chardonnay.
