Description

PRODUCER:
Zorzal is an Argentinian boutique winery dedicated to the production of high-quality wines since 2008 and is located at the highest point of the Uco Valley. Hailed as one of the most exclusive and well-regarded areas for viticulture in Argentina, the terroir is revealed in the Zorzal wines through a respectful, non-invasive winemaking process that prioritises austerity over exuberance and fruit over wood. The wines have rapidly gained international recognition. Founded by the Michelini brothers, who are outstanding in their passionate leadership in the vineyards and winery, this highly regarded winemaking duo have become renowned as the trendsetters of the Argentinian winemaking scene.

VINEYARD:
The ‘Parcelario’ collection of wines captures the essence of the terroir with precision and respect. They are made from single parcels, which reflect the place, landscape, and the unique character of each vintage. A true expression of the land and time. The grapes are grown in a high-altitude parcel in Gualtallary, in the outstanding vine-growing area of the Uco Valley. Located at 1,350 metres above sea-level, Gualtallary is the highest vinegrowing zone in the Province of Mendoza, situated at the foot of the Tupungato Volcano. This site is characterised by its combination of altitude, a high content of calcium carbonate in the soil, sunny days and low rainfall. The diurnal temperature ranges here oscillate between 35°C and 17°C, creating long, slow ripening periods, encouraging excellent polyphenolic maturity in the grapes, while retaining refreshing balance. The vines are trained on trellises, which provides good homogeneity, and the grapes are hand-harvested in boxes of 16kg.

WINEMAKING:
The Chardonnay bunches underwent direct oxidative pressing as whole clusters without protection from SO2 or CO2. This technique involves exposing the must to oxygen during pressing, allowing for reactions that can produce secondary flavours and soften the wine. Spontaneous fermentation took place with native yeast at an average temperature of 17° C. The wine was then matured for 12 months: 80% in 500-litre French oak barrels of second use and 20% in concrete eggs.

VINTAGE:
2024 was a warm and dry vintage, which enabled the vines to produce naturally healthy clusters. An optimal harvest point was reached where the grapes showed great balance between acidity and sugar and were rich in polyphenolics. This resulted in wines with good body and acidity, with excellent ageing potential across all wines.

TASTING NOTE:
A mountain-fresh Chardonnay, with herbal aromas, a touch of graphite and enticing mineral overtones. Agile, with delicious nerve and tension, layered with great salinity and an everlasting finish.

GRAPES:
Chardonnay 100%.