"505" Chardonnay, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2021

Vineyards

Sourced from vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina, specifically in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, where high-altitude sites (900 to 1,100 metres above sea level) benefit from cool nights and warm days. This diurnal temperature variation allows the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining fresh acidity. The soils are a combination of clay, sand, and alluvial deposits, contributing to the wine’s minerality and structure.

Winemaking

This Chardonnay is made from hand-harvested grapes, carefully selected to ensure optimal quality. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s aromatic purity and freshness. A brief period of lees contact enhances its texture, complexity, and mouthfeel, adding subtle creaminess while maintaining the vibrant fruit character.

Appearance

Pale yellow with greenish reflections, showcasing its youth and vibrancy.

Nose

Bright aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and white peach, complemented by subtle floral notes and a hint of wet stone minerality.

Palate

Crisp and refreshing, with flavours of lemon, pear, and a touch of tropical fruit like pineapple. The wine’s lively acidity is well-balanced by a rounded texture, leading to a clean, mineral-driven finish with lingering citrus notes.

Food pairing

Perfect with grilled fish, seafood pasta, or light salads. It also pairs well with soft cheeses, vegetarian dishes, or citrus-infused chicken.

Background story

Casarena consider themselves custodians and champions of the distinctive terroir of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, producing a singular range of varietal and blended wines from their single vineyards: Jamilla, Lauren, Owen, and Naoki, located in Perdriel, Agrelo, and Alto Agrelo. The vineyards are planted in alluvial soils with a distinctive mineral component, and due to the varying degrees of soil composition, elevation, and climate within Luján de Cuyo, winemaker Martina Galeano is able to create markedly different profiles within a varietal, showcasing the unique expression of each single vineyard.

Originally built in 1937, the winery was renovated in 2008, providing the investment needed to continue the Casarena story while carefully maintaining the original character of the structure. Today, Casarena is recognised for its dedication to terroir-driven wines that highlight the diversity of Mendoza’s vineyards.