Chardonnay Botanico, Familia Zuccardi 2022

The 2022 Chardonnay Botanico hails from the high-altitude Gualtallary Monasterio area in the Uco Valley. A tenth was aged for 10 months to preserve the intensity of the fruity flavors. Yellow in the glass with a greenish sheen. The expressive aromas feature a mouthwatering combination of fennel, jarilla, pineapple, and mint against a pear-inflected backdrop. On the palate, it’s dry with a fairly velvety texture and chalky mouthfeel. The rich flow is voluminous but not buttery. Ends with a languorous finish. Drink 2023-2033.

Picked three weeks before Fósil - the vineyard is at 1,380 metres in Gualtallary rather than much cooler San Pablo - Botánico is an incredible Chardonnay from the dream team of Sebastián Zuccardi and Laura Principiano. Lightly oaked in a combination of concrete tanks and 10% oak barrels, it’s a poised, layered, mineral-etched white with limestone freshness and flavours of lemongrass, nutmeg and pink grapefruit. Simply stunning.

Botánico is the yin to the yang of Fósil, made with the same winemaking philosophy but reflecting the greater warmth and breadth you get in Gualtallary over the nervier cool climate of San Pablo. Riper stone fruit and light blossom aromas on the nose also play out on the palate, where a chalky tension and vibrant acidity give a mouth-watering finish. Drink 2024 – 2028