Fosil Chardonnay, Familia Zuccardi 2022

The 2022 Chardonnay Fosil hails from Zuccardi’s San Pablo Vineyard in the Uco Valley. It was aged in 75% concrete vats, with the remainder going into used French oak barrels. In the glass, it’s yellow with a greenish sheen. The complex aromas range from green apple peel to chamomile, lime, and mountain herbs such as huacatay, with a pastry backdrop adding further depth. On the palate, it’s lean and dry with a chalky texture and refreshingly tart acidity. The vibrant character is a showcase for the terroir with its austere, herbal notes. Better to keep it for another couple of years to let it truly come into its own. Drink 2023-2033.

Fósil has rapidly established itself as one of Argentina’s and South America’s best Chardonnays. Sourced from vines at 1,400 metres in San Pablo it uses concrete and 25% barrel fermentation to create with jasmine and honeysuckle aromas, leesy intensity, mouthwatering minerality and a salty undertone.

Argentina’s answer to premier cru Chablis. Sebastian Zuccardi has eschewed any new oak influence for this bony, mineral and breathtaking Chardonnay. With a long, stony finish, the 2022 is in my opinion the most accomplished yet. Showing less is more, with pure power and drive from this cool-climate mountain terroir. Drink 2024-2030.