Bodega Chacra’s “Mainqué” Chardonnay 2025 is a Patagonia white that leans into precision and site character rather than overt richness. The winery, founded in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta in Mainqué (Río Negro), farms its estate vineyards organically and biodynamically, aiming to translate the region’s cool climate and alluvial, stone-strewn soils into a focused style. The Chardonnay is made in collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot of Burgundy, a partnership that has helped position Chacra among Argentina’s most internationally recognized Chardonnay specialists.

This is a 100% Chardonnay grown around the village of Mainqué in the Alto Valle del Río Negro. The estate emphasizes low-intervention methods, including native-yeast fermentations, and the wine is matured in French oak for texture. Alcohol is listed at about 14% ABV for the 2025 vintage.

In the glass, the critical commentary points to a distinctly mineral, saline profile with ripe but controlled fruit. James Suckling’s note is especially clear on the wine’s signature: “The saltiness in this chardonnay is so impressive,” alongside aromas of “sliced apples, honey, crushed stones and honeysuckle.” He describes the palate as “medium-bodied, crunchy, vivid and flavorful,” adding “hints of peaches and grape skin,” which suggests both phenolic grip and freshness rather than sweetness.

Suckling’s 96-point score (jamessuckling.com, March 5, 2026) stands as an excellent review and aligns with the winery’s reputation for high-scoring, terroir-driven whites. His drinking window is flexible—“Drink now or hold”—implying enough structure and balance to reward short-term cellaring while remaining approachable on release.

Overall, Mainqué Chardonnay 2025 reads as a modern Patagonian Chardonnay: mineral-forward, saline-edged, and fruit-driven in a measured way, with oak used more for feel than flavor.