Pinot noir and chardonnay from… Argentina? Strap in, youngsters, we could also be going into new territory right here. Ideas on Otronia’s wines observe.
2020 Otronia Chardonnay “III & VI” Patagonia – The Roman numerals check with winery blocks. A intelligent mixture of fresh linens and recent lemon, this acquits itself as a curious expression of chardonnay — heavy on the fruit, with an acidity we don’t typically see on this grape. The wine develops in glass to evoke each lemon peel and orange peel, hinting at each grapefruit and coconut because it develops in time. Vivid and cleaning on the end, it’s fairly tropical late within the recreation, ending (fairly unexpectedly) on daring notes of recent pineapple. It’s not the chardonnay you understand and love — and it seems I’m nice with that. Nice stuff. A / $80
2020 Otronia Pinot Noir Patagonia – In a world the place pinot noir is trending darker and extra brooding, Argentina’s Otronia says… nah. Right here’s a brilliant and summery pinot that melds strawberry and cherry notes right into a gently candy, exuberant picnic wine. There’s a way of terroir right here that arrives within the type of a gravelly earthiness and a wholesome layer of tea leaf — and bay leaf — on prime. Whereas frivolously peppery on the end, it by no means lets go of its boldly fruity parts — to the purpose the place I recommend you give it a while to air out a bit to let a few of the berry-driven aromatics mood themselves. Makes a terrific pan sauce, too. B+ / $79
2020 Otronia Pinot Noir Patagonia
$45
