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Argentina is currently the world's fifth largest wine producer by volume and is becoming a serious player in the international wine market. The Argentine wine industry is positioned to reap the benefits of its heritage - old vines, unique geographical conditions - with new technology and a mix of modern and traditional methods. It has also made an exceptional home for several varietals: Malbec, Torrontés and Chardonnay. It has come a long way since the first vines were planted more than 400 years ago when the monks arrived from Spain.
Like the rest of Argentina's wine-producing regions, the
climate in the Famatina Valley is dry (the average annual rainfall
is 150 mm) and relatively windy. The region has alluvial soils which
are typical of ancient valleys. The altitudes in this territory
are relatively high: between 800 and 1,400 meters above sea level.
Varietal: Chardonnay. About the Producer: Las Lajas is produced in the Famatina Valley, the center of the La Rioja region. For its whites, Las Lajas takes pride in its wine processing:
After pressing the fruit the resulting juice is cooled and pumped
to a holding tank for "cold settling". The chilled juice
is held at a temperature too low for fermentation to occur so that
the grape solids can settle out and the fermentation proceed on
"clean" juice.
Tasting
Notes: The
bouquet is classic Chardonnay - rich with apple, pineapple and buttery
scents backed by hints of flowers and spice. On the palate, it is
round and ripe with a greater depth of fruit than one expects from
such an affordable wine. The lovely combination of ripe apple, pineapple,
cream and spice flavors that makes Chardonnay a worldwide favorite
is clearly evident in the 2009 Las Lajas bottling. Balanced by a
refreshing acidity, the lush fruit gives the wine a delightfully
gulpable quality. Recommended Food Pairings: Cheeses, seafood, fish, salad, poultry.
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