Introduction: Terrazas de los Andes was founded in 1992 as the fine wine expression of Moët Hennessy's Mendoza operations, with a founding philosophy built on a single conviction: altitude is everything. A pioneer in the now-celebrated Gualtallary appellation of the Uco Valley, the winery has spent three decades mapping the relationship between elevation, terroir, and varietal character across more than 550 hectares of high-altitude vineyards. The Reserva Chardonnay is the range's signature white — a Burgundy-inspired expression grown at the foot of the Andes that consistently surprises with its freshness, mineral tension, and layered complexity.

Terroir: Sourced from the Caicayen and Cepas del Plata vineyards in the Gualtallary and El Peral districts of Tupungato in the Uco Valley, the fruit for this Chardonnay is grown at elevations ranging from approximately 4,035 to 4,920 feet above sea level, where the extreme diurnal temperature swings — warm sunny days and cold mountain nights — preserve natural acidity and extend the growing season for exceptional aromatic development. Soils in Gualtallary are sandy-loam over limestone, while El Peral's Cepas del Plata vineyard adds a fluvial conglomerate character that contributes a characteristic oiliness and mineral lift to white varieties. Both vineyards are in transition to organic certification and managed with drip irrigation suited to the arid high-altitude environment.

Appearance: Bright yellow with greenish highlights, clean and luminous with good clarity in the glass.

Nose: The bouquet is expressive and inviting, leading with juicy aromas of yellow peach, ripe pear, and grapefruit lifted by candied citrus peel, a hint of white honey, and a subtle floral thread. Gentle background notes of brioche and toasted chestnut add a quiet richness without obscuring the wine's fresh, fruit-forward character.

Palate: The palate is full-bodied and generously textured, with bright flavors of ripe pear, yellow peach, and grapefruit framed by balanced acidity that keeps everything lifted and focused. A creamy, unctuous mid-palate — the hallmark of high-altitude Chardonnay grown in Mendoza's volcanic and limestone soils — gives way to a finish of subtle brioche and citrus zest. Layered and satisfying without tipping into heaviness.

Finish: Long and unctuous, with lingering notes of candied citrus, pear, and a soft brioche warmth that fades cleanly. The acidity keeps the aftertaste bright and appetite-whetting well through the finish.

Food Pairings: 🥩 Meat: Grilled sea bass with lemon butter, roasted chicken with herb cream sauce, or seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc
🥦 Vegetarian: Pasta with truffle cream, butternut squash risotto, or a roasted cauliflower gratin with gruyère
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Brie, Edam, mild goat cheese, marcona almonds, dried apricot, and water crackers

Overall Impression: The 2024 Reserva Chardonnay is a confident, well-crafted expression of what high-altitude Mendoza does best with white varieties — intensity of fruit with a freshness and mineral backbone that is more Burgundy in spirit than New World in weight. The vineyards' ongoing transition to organic farming reflects the winery's longer-term commitment to terroir-driven quality. Serve at 54°F; drink now through 2028–2029, with the structure to develop nicely over the near term.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13%
Farming Practices: In transition to organic certification; drip irrigation; high-altitude mountain viticulture
Producer Name: Terrazas de los Andes (Moët Hennessy)
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: Argentina
Region: Mendoza — Uco Valley (Gualtallary and El Peral, Tupungato)
Grape Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2024
Wine Style: Dry White, full body — High-Altitude Mineral Chardonnay Winemaking Techniques: Partial oak aging; lees aging for texture and complexity; temperature-controlled fermentation; French-driven winemaking approach
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork 

Sources: Terrazas de los Andes — terrazasdelosandes.com (2024 Reserva Chardonnay product page)