Winemaker Notes
Deeply aromatic with expressive citrus and peach with a rich and mineral finish. Pairs well with vegetables, pasta and grilled white meats. This blend of Semillon and Chenin Blanc is Argentina's century-old traditional white wine.
Blend: 60% Sémillon, 40% Chenin Blanc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This shows golden fruit, white flowers and chamomile on the nose. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, crunchy and textured, with a chewy yet pleasant mouthfeel and persistent freshness. Incisive and enjoyable. A blend of semillon and chenin blanc.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 60% Sémillon and 40% Chenin Blanc from vines planted in 1983, the 2024 Appellation Luján de Cuyo White Clay matured for up to eight months in barrique. Introducing itself with an herbal, tropical and creamy nose, the palate is oily and rich before transitioning to a vibrant, succulent and gently tensile finish.
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Wine Spectator
Subtle, rich details of honey and chamomile lure you in, but they’re fool’s gold, as vibrant acidity, crushed rock and salt drive the palate, with yellow apple and apricot flavors at the center. Ends with hints of herbs and more mineral notes on the refreshing finish. Sémillon and Chenin.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.