ZUCCARDI Chardonnay 'Botanico' - Gualtallary 2023 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2023 Zuccardi Chardonnay Botánico is a standout wine, earning exceptional praise with 96 points from Vinous and 95 points each from James Suckling and Decanter. Sourced from Gualtallary in Tupungato, this Chardonnay is fermented and aged in concrete, preserving its vibrant character and the essence of its terroir. Vinous reveals a complex nose of herbal aromas, including vermouth, lavender, and hints of hops, with a palate that is broad and rich, finishing with a refreshing touch of green apple. Suckling appreciates its contrast of tropical fruit and mineral notes, while Decanter highlights its generous yellow apple and lemon curd flavours. The Wine Advocate rates it 94 points, praising its citrus-driven bouquet and bracing finish. Enjoy this expressive wine from 2024 to 2034.

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ABOUT THE WINE
The Fosil 2023 is the third vintage in a string of highly rated releases from Zuccardi, scoring a very consistent 97 points from Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous) and placing it up there with the very best whites in the market. Fosil 2023 displays the tension, energy, and minerality that have become the Zuccardi trademarks. This style is driven by the extreme cool climate of the 1400m vineyards and their calcareous soils.

The Botanico is a newer wine from Zuccardi and the 2023 is their third, and best, release to date. The wine differs from Fosil showing a broader, richer pallet when compared to the Fosil, due to its lower altitude and sandier soils, but still possess the Zuccardi hallmarks of freshness, energy, and a sense of place.

VINOUS 96 points
Drinking Window 2024 - 2034
From: Argentina: New White Releases (Oct 2024)
A rising star in the Familia Zuccardi portfolio, the 2023 Chardonnay Botánico comes from their vineyards in Gualtallary, Tupungato. Fermented and aged in concrete, the warm 2023 vintage saw harvest occur nearly a week earlier than in 2022, as early as the beginning of February. The 2023 reveals subtle herbal aromas of vermouth, lavender and herbs with a hint of hops. Broad and fairly rich, with good tension on the palate, it finishes with a touch of green apple. A true reflection of its origins, its chalky texture defines the mouthfeel. - By Joaquín Hidalgo on October 2024

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
This is a very contrasty white with a hint of tropical fruit to the apple and mineral aromas that follow through to a bright and vivid palate. Lovely acidity that gives it length and intensity. A new wine. Think grand cru Chablis. Drink or hold.

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Ines Salpico
(at Raffles London at The OWO, 04 Sep 2024)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2029
Wide and unctuous in the mouth, with generous yellow apple. pear, pineapple and lemon curd supported by intense yet soft acidity. Fermented and aged in concrete, without malolactic fermentation, it preserves incredible focus and energy, with defined, yet weighty, fruit on the mid palate. Top notes of apple blossom and lemon zest offset the weight and drive the wine through to a long finish.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy
Drink Date: 2024 - 2033
Deriving from three sites in the Monestario section of Gualtallary, the 2023 Botánico leads with a high-toned, citrus-driven, herbal and balsamic bouquet followed by a similarly electric and focused palate. It concludes with a long, tensile, bracing finish that regenerates the herbal perfume first observed on the nose and lingers with crushed-stone nuances. This is an expressive, linear representation of contemporary Argentine Chardonnay.

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ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Zuccardi is a prominent winery located in the Mendoza region of Argentina, known for its commitment to quality and innovation in winemaking. Founded by the Zuccardi family in the 1960s, the winery has become one of Argentina's leading producers, particularly recognized for its exceptional Malbec and other varietals. Emphasizing a deep connection to the terroir, Zuccardi utilizes high-altitude vineyards across Mendoza, benefitting from the region's unique climate and diverse soils. The winery practices sustainable farming and combines traditional techniques with modern technology to enhance wine quality. Zuccardi’s wines are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and authenticity, showcasing rich flavors and vibrant acidity. The estate has garnered numerous accolades, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts and collectors.