Bodega DiamAndes Uco Chardonnay 2010
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DiamAndes de Uco Chardonnay is a blend of single varietal Chardonnay. This grape variety achieves full expression on DiamAndes' high altitude, complex, very well-drained terroirs. Developing ripe, varied flavors of tropical fruit, white-fleshed fruit and citrus notes, the mid-palate is full-bodied and rich with good length. The special characteristics of the DiamAndes vineyard bring freshness and balance, adding a unique dimension. This wine is both supple and full-bodied, with a fine structure and generous volume, while at the same time being immediately enjoyable to drink.
The Bodega DiamAndes is a single estate nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountain, at an altitude of 1,100 meters. The vineyard is located in the heart of the Uco valley, one of the best quality vineyard areas in. Bodega DiamAndes has gained international recognition across the world, and is increasingly appreciated for its excellent quality and value for money. The fabulous terroir and the ideal climate, combined with expertise and experience, has resulted in the outstandingly long-living wines.
In 2005, the Bonnie family, owner of the renowned Château Malartic-Lagraviere (Grand Cru Classe de Graves) and of the Château Gazin Rocquencourt (Pessac-Léognan), decided to leave France in search for new horizons in the world of wine. It all began with the acquisition, along with their partners, of a single 130-hectares (321 acres) block of land in the heart of the Uco Valley, to the south of the city of Mendoza. That is where Bodega DiamAndes was born, as a member of the prestigious Clos de los Siete group. The winery’s architectural design blends harmoniously into the stunning Andean scenery. In this context, the winemaking process has taken place under exceptional conditions since the 2007 vintage.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.