Otronia 2020s
It cannot be said that Argentine billionaire Alejandro Bulgheroni, owner of the eponymous winery Napa Valley, does not put his money where is mouth is. In the pursuit of extreme winemaking to produce world-class, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, he founded Otronia at 45.33 degrees South in the province of Chubut in Patagonia’s far south. This is the world's most southerly winemaking region and Otronia's vineyards are Argentina's most Southern.
Planted on the south-east shore of Lake Musters, the environment is incredibly hostile. As well as the bitterly cold temperatures and risk of year round frost, there is surprisingly little rainfall and extreme winds regularly reach up to 110km/hr. The estate use nets as well as planting thousands of trees around the vineyard to help protect the vines from the lashing gales. Braving these merciless conditions conditions has proved worthwhile as they give rise to elegant wines with distinct vibrancy, aromatic intensity and a very unique sense of place.
It is not just the location that is special, Otronia also has an amazing team. Head Winemaker is rising star Juan Pablo Murgia who was named 'Young winemaker of the Year' by Tim Atkin MW in his 2021 Argentina Special Report, but significantly he is supported by world-renowned consultant Alberto Antonini, the famed former director of winemaking for Antinori. Antonini's influence can be seen in the hands off approach, using concrete eggs and large, neutral French oak to enhance the wine’s character, not mask it.
Planted on the south-east shore of Lake Musters, the environment is incredibly hostile. As well as the bitterly cold temperatures and risk of year round frost, there is surprisingly little rainfall and extreme winds regularly reach up to 110km/hr. The estate use nets as well as planting thousands of trees around the vineyard to help protect the vines from the lashing gales. Braving these merciless conditions conditions has proved worthwhile as they give rise to elegant wines with distinct vibrancy, aromatic intensity and a very unique sense of place.
It is not just the location that is special, Otronia also has an amazing team. Head Winemaker is rising star Juan Pablo Murgia who was named 'Young winemaker of the Year' by Tim Atkin MW in his 2021 Argentina Special Report, but significantly he is supported by world-renowned consultant Alberto Antonini, the famed former director of winemaking for Antinori. Antonini's influence can be seen in the hands off approach, using concrete eggs and large, neutral French oak to enhance the wine’s character, not mask it.
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Otronia 2020s
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James Suckling (97)
What a pure and composed chardonnay, full of sea shell minerals, lemon zest, lime and chalk. So elegant and transparent with a mineral-water purity and subtle, soft spoken creaminess. Intense and extremely textured on the palate with tangy, high acidity and a long and delicious finish. You can’t resist a second glass... or a third! Serious, gastronomic and dangerously drinkable. Very Chablis-like. A little austere, but not too demanding. Drink or hold. Around 6700 bottles made.HK$3,185.00 -
Decanter (95)
Grown in Sarmiento, the world’s southernmost vine land, some 1,450km from the Uco Valley, this is truly extreme Pinot Noir, withstanding fierce winds, cold temperatures and little rain at high altitude. Helped by consultant Alberto Antonini, winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia ferments the grapes in concrete then ages the wine in untoasted foudres for about 18 months. Anne Krebiehl MW: Red berry, white pepper, heightened aroma. Yum. Concentrated, peppery, bright and wonderful. There is structure and brightness but also vividly pure, tart fruit. Pristine and fresh. Justin Knock MW: Lovely colour, beautiful potpourri aromas! It’s delicate yet firm. Rose hip, white flower, cherry; a touch bitter. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Perfumed and vivacious, includes aromas of cherries, cranberries, rhubarb and a hint of spice. On the palate it is elegant, with beautiful silky texture, sophisticated structure and a long, refreshing finish.HK$2,620.00
