June 20, 2025
World Class Chardonnay from Jean-Marc Roulots Patagonia Project
Bodegas Chacra
98-Pointed Patagonia Chardonnay made by Burgundy royalty Jean-Marc Roulot
Founded by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta (Sassicaia Family) in 2004, Bodega Chacra is a remarkable Patagonian estate dedicated to biodynamic viticulture and purity of expression. Nestled in Río Negro, it cultivates Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from old, ungrafted vines planted in the 1930s. With a commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention, Chacra wines are transparent reflections of place. The wines combine Burgundian finesse with Argentine vitality, offering a unique taste of South America’s southern frontier.
Chacra’s Chardonnays are crafted in partnership with Jean-Marc Roulot, one of Burgundy’s most revered winemakers. While Piero Incisa della Rocchetta takes the lead on Pinot Noir, Roulot has complete creative freedom on the Chardonnay—it’s 100% made by him. Sourced from Gualtallary’s high-altitude, calcareous soils, the wine is whole-bunch pressed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and matured in seasoned oak. There’s no battonage, no new oak, and minimal sulphur, resulting in a wine of remarkable purity, tension, and mineral-driven finesse.
The ‘Chacra’ Chardonnay is the flagship white of the range—precise, layered and deeply mineral. Aged in large-format barrels and concrete, it combines citrus purity with saline tension and refined texture. Think Puligny with Patagonian clarity: bright, structured and built to age. James Suckling awarded it 98 points, calling it “probably the finest answer to Puligny or Meursault in Argentina... all about texture and purity. Also intellectual.” With Roulot’s Pulignys now exceeding €350 per bottle, this is a rare chance to enjoy world-class Chardonnay at a fraction of the price of his Burgundy domaine.
The Mainqué Chardonnay offers a vibrant and expressive style, blending Roulot’s finesse with Patagonia’s sun-kissed fruit. Aged partly in stainless steel, it’s fresher and more immediate than ‘Chacra’ with notes of lemon zest, orchard fruit and gentle toast. Lively, textured and irresistibly drinkable, it delivers immense quality at a more approachable price. In 2022, both Decanter and Suckling declare this to be the finest rendition of this cuvee yet - a worthy starting point for those who have not tried the wines yet.
When we tried the wines, we loved them and have wanted to share this tip for a while, so here we are. Classic styled Chardonnay lovers, don’t hesitate. These really are some of Argentina’s finest rendition of this grape. Don’t miss them.
Photo: the lineup from our lunch with Pierro a few years ago
Chacra 'Chacra' Chardonnay 2022
€89.50* inc VAT per bottle
98 Points | James Suckling
This is probably the finest answer to Puligny or Meursault in Argentina and it will be hard to pass by. Beautiful brioche notes give a fine creaminess with mineral, fine reduction, beeswax and a hint of white sesame to the lemon curd. Extremely textured and tense on the palate with fresh, medium acidity and a long, long finish. This is all about texture and purity. Also intellectual. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
96 Points | Decanter
Although initially shy, the 2022 unfurls with delicate layers of seashells, Meyer lemon and apple pie. Its acidity is taut as a tightrope, yet enveloped in flesh and quiet power. Complex, crystalline and my favourite vintage yet.
95 Points | Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2022 Chardonnay, vinified in 50% oak and 50% amphorae, hails from Mainqué in Río Negro. Yellow-hued, with a greenish sheen, the 2022 offers enticing aromas of cream, corn and green apple, underscored by hints of lime, herbs and green tea. Dry and creamy, the saline-driven, refreshing palate lingers long on the fruit notes. This is quite a complex, oxidative, pure Chardonnay.
Chacra Mainque Chardonnay 2022
€47.50* inc VAT per bottle
97 Points | James Suckling
Such a flinty nose that delivers a full package of minerality. Quarry, chalk, gun powder and lime. The nose really speaks to you. Creamy and textured on the palate with bright but chiselled acidity and real tension. One of the best Mainque’s ever? Chacra’s answer to fine Chablis. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
93 Points | Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2022 Chardonnay Mainqué hails from Río Negro. Yellow-hued, with a greenish sheen in color, it offers reductive aromas of gun powder, honey and ripe pear, accented by hints of chamomile. Dry and refreshing, the round, creamy palate lingers long, finishing with a saline touch. This is a transparent and delicate Chardonnay.
93 Points | Decanter
Arguably the finest vintage of Mainqué to date. Broad yet focused, the 2022 offers a honeyed texture cut by a spine of acidity. A hint of gunflint on the nose gives way to flavours of white peach, camomile and sea spray. Lively and complete.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.