Review: 2020 Otronia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Patagonia
Pinot noir and chardonnay from… Argentina? Strap in, kids, we may be going into new territory here. Thoughts on Otronia’s wines follow.
2020 Otronia Chardonnay “III & VI” Patagonia – The Roman numerals refer to vineyard blocks. A clever combination of clean linens and fresh lemon, this acquits itself as a curious expression of chardonnay — heavy on the fruit, with an acidity we don’t often see in this grape. The wine develops in glass to evoke both lemon peel and orange peel, hinting at both grapefruit and coconut as it develops in time. Bright and cleansing on the finish, it’s quite tropical late in the game, finishing (quite unexpectedly) on bold notes of fresh pineapple. It’s not the chardonnay you know and love — and it turns out I’m fine with that. Great stuff. A / $80
2020 Otronia Pinot Noir Patagonia – In a world where pinot noir is trending darker and more brooding, Argentina’s Otronia says… nah. Here’s a bright and summery pinot that melds strawberry and cherry notes into a gently sweet, exuberant picnic wine. There’s a sense of terroir here that arrives in the form of a gravelly earthiness and a healthy layer of tea leaf — and bay leaf — on top. While lightly peppery on the finish, it never lets go of its boldly fruity elements — to the point where I suggest you give it some time to air out a bit to let some of the berry-driven aromatics temper themselves. Makes a great pan sauce, too. B+ / $79
2020 Otronia Pinot Noir Patagonia
$45
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