Chubut Wine Region Guide
Patagonia Uncorked: Discover Chubut's Cool-Climate Wines and Cultural Mosaic
EXPLORE ALL OUR PATAGONIA WINE REGION GUIDE
Last updated: October 5, 2024
Introduction
For many oenophiles, a journey to Chubut in Patagonia represents a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is home to Argentina’s most southerly and isolated wine region – a place of awe-inspiring beauty. Its cultural heritage, too, is fascinating and unique: Welsh migrants arrived in the 19th century, seeking a better life in the lower Chubut Valley and managing to coexist peacefully with the native Tehuelche. Émigrés from Germany and the UK joined them over time, creating a vibrant melting pot at the heart of Patagonia.
Chubut’s wine history, though modest, is a story of potential and promise. Bodega Otronia, founded in 2010 on the shores of Lake Musters, stands as Chubut’s most significant producer in terms of volume and international recognition. Otronia’s success demonstrates that southern Patagonia can produce beautifully expressive red and white wines by harnessing the region’s cool climate and superior soils. The potential for further growth and development is indeed very exciting.
Winemaking and regional classifications
In a fast-changing world of wine, no region has evolved as rapidly as Chubut. Developed feverishly in fewer than 15 years, it has seen the emergence of some astounding cool-climate varietals, particularly raspberry-scented Pinot Noir and supremely elegant Chardonnay. The area’s vastness offers a broad spectrum of soils, altitudes, and situations, allowing the cultivation of Bordeaux varieties, aromatic white grapes, and Argentina’s signature red variety, Malbec.
What unifies this eclectic family of styles, however, is bracing freshness: local Malbec, for example, has little in common with the voluptuous reds of Mendoza and Salta. In truth, nowhere can match Chubut-grown varietals for acidity and pungency. This is a world apart from the warm climate regions that define central and northwestern Argentina.
Pinot Noir Dominance
In the vineyard, Pinot Noir and, to a lesser extent, Merlot dominate, while Malbec accounts for just 3 hectares of regional plantings. Over the past ten years, an elite group of award-winning labels has begun to garner international attention; Wine Enthusiast magazine nominated Bodega Otronia for a ‘New World Winery of the Year’ award. It has achieved a cult following in restaurant circles, where New World interpretations of classic Burgundy styles are in great demand.
Some consider Bodega Otronia’s Pinot Noir one of Argentina’s greatest wines. Produced from high-quality fruit in the winery’s Paico and Sierra Silva vineyards, the berries are hand-harvested in the fall. Then, the grapes are vinified in French oak vats using a mixture of whole clusters and crushed berries. Using some whole bunches can add complexity and structure to the wine if the stems are ripe.
In open-top vats, pigeage (punch down) is used to extract color and flavor from the must, literally pushing down the ‘cap of marc’ into the fermenting juice. A post-fermentation maceration will then extract tannin from the berry skins before malolactic fermentation occurs.
Matured to Perfection
The next stage is arguably the most crucial when grappling with Pinot Noir. Otronia’s winemaker, Juan Pablo Murgia, prefers to mature his wines in untoasted foudres for 22 months – foudres are very large oak barrels. This softens the texture without extracting intense oak flavors; many Burgundians argue that new wood is unnecessary and detrimental to Pinot Noir, robbing the wine of its typicité. In this case, it’s the right decision: the delicate perfume and very floral character would surely be annihilated in the face of new barrique.
Meanwhile, the Chardonnay is pressed without destemming, releasing pure must into the tank. These exceptional raw materials are vinified in French oak vats, avoiding the influence of new oak. A maturation period of 22 months in neutral barrels yields a very precise and energetic interpretation of this malleable grape, with aromas of stone fruit, white flowers, and acacia leaping out of the glass. It is a white of great tension and freshness, with enough natural acidity to allow considerable maturation in bottle.
These exemplary wines, produced in modest volumes and marketed to exclusive clients, have achieved a high average price in a very short time. This is remarkable for such a young region: relatively few premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir labels sell for less than $100, according to Wine Searcher’s database. The insatiable demand for alternatives to red/white Burgundy is partially responsible for this price buoyancy, in addition to the very high standard of winemaking and viticulture practiced in Chubut. Bulk production and mediocrity have no place here.
Chubut’s other specialty? Traditional sparkling wine—a natural endeavor for local growers to pursue. Patagonia is a halcyon destination for sparkling winemakers; they require low-alcohol base wines with high levels of natural acidity. Chubut easily provides this and more, yielding delicious facsimiles of Champagne when Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are blended and then matured in the modern Casa Yague, Mas Alla, and Otronia cellars. The results in bottle are not underpriced but confirm the mantra that cool-climate fizz is a cut above.
All in all, progress has occurred at a lightning pace since the 20th century, when few believed that Chubut could support wine growing on a commercial scale. A growing firmament of buyers and sommeliers—at home and abroad—is taking full advantage of these crystalline flavors. The revolution is in full force.
Geography and terroir
Although viticulture is a new endeavor in Chubut, early offerings have been mightily impressive. The wines combine razor-sharp acidity with moderate alcohol – South America’s answer to the Rhine Valley. Such are the benefits of growing grapes in a fantastically cool climate, where spring frost presents a far greater risk to vines than heat or drought.
Located to the south of Rio Negro, the vineyards of Chubut are dispersed across the region, with key differences in soil, mesoclimate, and altitude. However, many parcels are situated close to the Chilean Andes – Viñas del Nant y Fall, which is less than 20 kilometers from the border. As a result, it is not uncommon to find Chilean tour groups in Welsh Patagonia exploring this fascinating region’s nascent vineyards and culture. Today, approximately 92 hectares are under vine, often adjacent to water sources: rivers and lakes supply vital moisture delivered via drip irrigation systems at the best estates.
Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture
Indeed, Chubut’s average rainfall is under 200mm, although there are subregions where dry farming is possible. The province’s farming industry has also become a major proponent of regenerative agriculture —this holistic approach to land management eschews synthetic inputs while encouraging biodiversity to flourish. It is a topic of considerable interest in Patagonia today.
Yet the growing season in Chubut can be tumultuous: winter temperatures may plummet to below 28°F in July and August, exacerbating the risk of frost attacks. In the coolest spots, around the town of Trevelin, frost can rear its head up to twenty times a season, necessitating a great investment in preventative measures.
Meanwhile, the famous Patagonian winds can exceed 110 kph in extreme cases, potentially leading to coulure (a lack of fruit set). There are even reports of Patagonian Maras (a local species of hare) devouring grapes before the harvest; vineyard pests are also a major problem in Mendoza viticulture. And, with producers increasingly refusing to use synthetic pesticides, this will likely worsen.
Unique Climatic Advantages of High-Altitude
Nevertheless, there are many advantages to growing vines in Chubut. At higher elevations (vine altitude ranges from 20 to 670 meters), the average temperature hovers below 58°F, encouraging a slow and even pace of ripening. Cool-climate varietals will thrive in these conditions, yielding very aromatic and fresh wines with moderate ABVs. This is particularly true of the Sarmiento, El Hoyo, and Trevelin subzones and of the climats (vineyard sites) situated close to the Andes.
These Andean terroirs can receive up to 800mm of yearly rainfall, cultivated on acidic soils derived from volcanic ash. In the vineyards of Paso del Sapo, however, a warmer mesoclimate and alluvial soils yield a more full-bodied style of wine: oak-aged Chardonnay is a growing specialty of the subregion. But, many European varieties can thrive in Patagonia’s wilderness, not least Malbec and Pinot Noir.
Facts & Figures
Key wine styles
- Medium-bodied red and white wines; a small volume of sparkling wine
Appellation structure
- One GI (Indicaciones Geográfica) Patagonia Argentina
Hectares under Vine
- 92
Average annual production
- 150,000 hectoliters per annum (in Patagonia)
Exclusive Expert Insights
Insight by Juan Pablo Murgia, Winemaker at Bodega OtroniaOtronia Winery has been nominated for an award by Wine Enthusiast magazine. What was your initial reaction when you heard the news?
I was pleased about the nomination. Wine Enthusiast is one of the best publications in the wine industry, and to be included in this select group is awesome. But at the same time, I am not letting the nomination go to our heads! We intend to keep doing our job and focus on making brilliant wines.
Chubut is the southernmost vineyard in the world. What are the key challenges in growing grapes in southern Patagonia?
We face several challenges. As it’s a desert, we must deal with the extreme conditions that characterize our environment. Cold (summer frost) and extreme winds are the main challenges, for sure. But I always say that without them, Otronia wouldn’t be the project it is. These conditions make this place unique and forge the character of the wines. The geographical distance from other regions in Argentina is another major challenge. However, we have a fantastic local team in Chubut.
Which varieties have shown great promise in this terroir?
Of course, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are our standout varietals: they express the terroir with a razor-sharp focus. Yet every variety we have planted is doing very well. Gewurztraminer shows incredible character, as does Riesling. I’m also very proud of our Merlot wines, while Chubut’s expressions of Malbec and Torrontes show a different side to these classic Argentina grapes.
What does the future hold for Otronia?
There are many new projects in the pipeline. For one thing, we are working on perfecting a beautiful Riesling; we have also just planted 1 ha of Sauvignon Blanc, but it will take a few years to produce. Meanwhile, our first vintage of ice wine is being made as we speak.
Key Grape Varietals
-
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
Find out more -
Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
Find out more -
Riesling
Discover Riesling's charm, a white grape from Germany's Rhine region, cherished in Alsace, France. Unveil its secrets and delights
Find out more -
Semillon
Explore the allure of the Semillon grape & its legendary connection to Sauternes. Unveil the history & flavors of this captivating varietal. Cheers!
Find out more -
Torrontes
Torrontés is a distinctive white grape variety from Argentina, known for its strong aromatic qualities featuring jasmine, lychee, and orange. It includes three sub-varieties: Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino, and Torrontés Mendocino, with Torrontés Riojano being the most celebrated for its quality. Predominantly cultivated in Argentina's high-altitude vineyards, the cool nighttime temperatures help preserve the grape's acidity and enhance its aroma, essential for creating refreshing and high-quality wines.
-
Bonarda (Croatina)
Croatina: Italy's hidden gem in red wine. Explore its unique characteristics and the challenge of crafting single-varietal expressions.
Find out more -
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
Find out more -
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
Find out more -
Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷
Find out more -
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
Find out more -
Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
Find out more
Chubut gastronomy
Welsh Patagonia is famous for its afternoon tea: piping hot and served with a selection of sweet delicacies, including custard tarts, fruitcake, and bara brith. Many of the area’s most popular towns, particularly Gaiman and Dolavon, are full of quaint tea shops where you can experience this delightful institution. However, those with a more savory tooth will find much to enjoy in Chubut’s informal taverns – excellent homemade pasta dishes and well-seasoned meat (lamb is the regional specialty) abound in Patagonia.
Wineries Recommended by Cellar Tours
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.