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.

Maldonado wine region in Uruguay is quickly becoming known for making some of the most exciting coastal wines in South America today, and in part its due to its granite soils. In this Terroir Talk interview with Germán Bruzzone, winemaker at Bodega Garzón, we discuss the impact of granite on wines and how the Maldonado wine region has developed over the past 10 years.

Germán Bruzzone delves into the diverse terroir of Garzón and explains why they have split their vineyard into hundreds of parcels and plots, and discusses their winemaking style under the guidance of consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini.

Amanda Barnes interviews Germán about his own experiences in helping build the incredible reputation of Garzón’s wines and they taste through two emblematic varieties for the winery and region: Tannat and Albariño from their exclusive Single Vineyard range.

Granite & Maldonado:

Terroir Talk with Germán Bruzzone of Bodega Garzón

Taste along with us: Uruguayan Albariño & Tannat

Bodega Garzón Single Vineyard Tannat 2017

This beautiful Tannat displays all the energy and verve you can expect from prime terroir in Maldonado: filled with aromas of fresh cherries and raspberries as well as layers of tobacco, cacao and violet with a bracing finish and a fine, peppery spine of tannin.

This is a Tannat that you can easily drink by itself, but it would also pair wonderfully with white and red meats, or even oily fish.

Sustainable, Vegetarian
Winemaker: Germán Bruzzone and Alberto Antonini
Alcohol (ABV): 14.5 %
Acidity: 5.2 g/l
Residual sugar: 3.5 g/l
pH: 3.71

Bodega Garzón Single Vineyard Albariño 2019

Tangy coastal Albariño has become Bodega Garzón’s calling card and one of the most renowned white wines in Uruguay, and this wine exemplifies what’s so wonderful about Maldonado Albariño.

With delicate notes of white peach, lemon zest and blossom on the nose, this wine’s real personality comes out in the palate: with mouth-watering acidity, a tangy salinity, complex layers of spice and savoury notes, and a long, aromatic finish. It’s exciting stuff!

Sustainable, Vegetarian
Winemaker: Germán Bruzzone and Alberto Antonini
Alcohol (ABV): 13.5 %
Acidity: 6.6 g/l
Residual sugar: 2.7 g/l
pH: 3.25

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Terroir Talk

Wine in Chubut & the world’s southernmost vineyard: Otronia Terroir Talk interview Juan Pablo Murgia