Otronia is the world’s southernmost vineyard, at parallel 45 in Chubut in Argentine Patagonia, which comes with a fair share of challenges, as winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia explains in this Terroir Talk and interview. But this extreme vineyard has also brought to light some of the most exciting wines from Argentina in recent years – laser-sharp Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, among other varieties.
In this Terroir Talk, Juan Pablo and Amanda talk about viticulture, climate, soil and curious pumas, as well as the wines and philosophy of this incredible project in Argentine Patagonia.
Otronia Terroir Talk & Juan Pablo Murgia Interview
Otronia wine tasting notes
45 Rugientes: Corte de Blancos
Gewurstraminer, but not as you know it! This lively blend of Gewurstraminer, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay has a flamboyant nose of jasmines and citrus peel but in the palate it is fresh, bone dry and with a long, aromatic finish. A wine for aromatic and herbal Asian cuisine!
- Gewurstraminer, Pinot Grigio & Chardonnay blend
- Wine Region: Sarmiento, Chubut
- Vintage: 2018
- Alcohol: 13%
- RS: 2 gr/l
- pH: 3.25
- Total acidity: 7%
- Winemaking: Direct press and then fermented in concrete tanks/eggs. Blended before being aged in concrete tanks and French oak foudres for 18-20 months.
- Winemaker: Juan Pablo Murgia
45 Rugientes: Pinot Noir
This is Juan Pablo’s ‘blend of Pinot Noirs’. Coming from selections of different blocks, this is the more playful wine of the Pinot Noir duo which he really explores blending to make a crunchy, vibrant and lean wine which reflects the cool climate and bright raspberry and tea leaf notes so typical of the region and variety. Drink slightly chilled!
- Pinot Noir 100%
- Wine Region: Sarmiento, Chubut
- Vintage: 2018
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- RS: 2.6 gr/l
- pH: 3.65
- Total acidity: 6%
- Winemaking: Fermented in concrete tulips with 50% whole bunch, for partial carbonic maceration.
- Winemaker: Juan Pablo Murgia
Otronia Block 1 Pinot Noir
“Block 1 always has such a unique character that I know we have to keep it separate for its own wine,” explains Juan Pablo about this single-block Pinot Noir. The more seductive of the due, this is a sophisticated pour with layers of cherry, truffle, meadow flowers and wild herb aromas. A wine to linger over.
- Pinot Noir 100%
- Wine Region: Sarmiento, Chubut
- Vintage: 2018
- Alcohol: 12%
- RS: 1.8 gr/l
- pH: 3.65
- Total acidity: 5.7%
- Winemaking: Fermented in concrete tulips with 50% whole bunch. After MLF, aged in untoasted French oak barrels for 18-20 months.
- Winemaker: Juan Pablo Murgia
Otronia Blocks 3 & 6 Chardonnay
For me, this is the star of the portfolio and Chubut! A Chardonnay with such precision and character, even though it is still from very young vines. White peach and dried chamomile notes with notes of honey and the sensation of salt, it’s a complex savoury wine with laser sharp acidity that underpins its more opulent body. One of my top Chardonnays in Latin America. Very distinctive.
- Chardonnay 100%
- Wine Region: Sarmiento, Chubut
- Vintage: 2018
- Alcohol: 13%
- RS: 2 gr/l
- pH: 3.25
- Total acidity: 7.4%
- Winemaking: Direct press and then fermented in concrete tanks/eggs. Full malolactic fermentation and then aged in French oak foudres for 18-20 months.
- Winemaker: Juan Pablo Murgia
Photos from Otronia vineyard in Chubut
Frost protection system in the vineyard
Vineyard soils
Read more about Otronia winery and Argento winery.
