Las Pizarras – Chardonnay - Aconcagua costa 2024
Las Pizarras, a Burgundy approach in Chile
Las Pizarras project, initiated in 2014 by Viña Errazuriz, embodies a commitment to uncovering the extraordinary terroir of the Aconcagua Coast. Rooted in a terroir-centric philosophy, Las Pizarras represents a paradigm shift in quality for cool-climate Chilean wines. Situated within the Aconcagua Costa D.O., these limited-production wines, akin to Grand Cru, epitomize a distinctive character shaped by metamorphic rock and slate.
Benefitting from the nearby Pacific Ocean's cool influence and well-drained soils rich in laminar rock, Las Pizarras vineyards yield Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah of unparalleled complexity, depth, minerality, and natural acidity.
Las Pizarras Chardonnay originates from three distinct plots, measuring 0,7, 1 ad 3,2 hectares, each possessing unique characteristics. The soil of these three plots is highly influenced by metamorphic rocks. The weathering of this substratum occurs and increases along vertical fissures (joints), producing loamy residual materials. This important weathering allows a good development of the root system in the deeper layer, giving our wines their characteristic minerality, complexity and freshness.
The 2024 Vintage:
The 2024 season was marked by a cool spring followed by a moderately warm summer, resulting in wines of notable intensity and remarkable texture on the palate. It began with a wetter winter than in previous years, which encouraged balanced vegetative growth from early spring and allowed for healthy development and ripening through to harvest. The slightly cooler spring (October to December), mainly due to persistent cloud cover, delayed flowering by 10 to 12 days. Warmer summer conditions later reduced this phenological lag, with veraison occurring only seven days behind the usual schedule. Thanks to the warmer conditions in February and March, ripening accelerated across all varieties, bringing Chardonnay and Syrah harvests back in line with a normal year, and advancing Pinot Noir by seven days. The vineyard’s balanced canopy growth supported even ripening and moderate alcohol levels. Overall, it was a favourable season that produced floral, elegant and complex wines with natural tension and profound texture on the palate.
Tasting notes:
“Pale yellow with golden hues. A delicate, restrained nose reveals notes of white blossom such as orange flower, accompanied by hints of green apple and mandarin peel. Subtle layers of wafer pastry emerge, underpinned by notes reminiscent of ulmo honey and propolis. On the palate, the aromatic impressions are reinforced: a bright, citrusy entry gives way to flavours of wafer and floral notes. The attack is vertical and refreshing, immediately delivering a sensation of tension and crispness, beautifully complemented by a soft creaminess that adds texture. A complex, vibrant wine that achieves a fine balance between tension and texture.”
TOMÁS MUÑOZ, Chief Winemaker