🎨The styles

Argentine high-altitude Chardonnay leans toward the lean, precise and mineral end of the spectrum rather than the heavy, oaky style. Expect citrus and grapefruit, white flowers and honeysuckle, sometimes a note of almond or wet chalk from those limestone soils. The texture is taut and energetic, carried by bright acidity, with the best examples often compared to white Burgundy for their finesse. Some are made in a richer, partially oak-aged style with baked-pastry and nutmeg notes — but the wines making Argentina's name are the sharp, high-altitude ones.

There is a sparkling angle too: the same naturally high acidity makes Uco Valley Chardonnay (often with Pinot Noir) excellent raw material for traditional-method sparkling wine.