Terrazas Altos del Plata Chardonnay

Terrazas Altos del Plata Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay wine from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from high-altitude vineyard sites in the Uco Valley — specifically Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira — this white reflects the precision viticulture philosophy that defines Terrazas de los Andes, where each grape variety is planted at a carefully selected elevation to optimize ripening conditions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Winery: Terrazas de los Andes

Production & Heritage

Terrazas de los Andes is a Mendoza-based winery renowned for its altitude-driven approach to winemaking. The estate employs precision viticulture techniques including soil analysis and electro-conductivity mapping to determine the ideal planting elevation for each variety. For the Altos del Plata Chardonnay, fruit is sourced from cool-climate vineyard sites in the Uco Valley, where the high-altitude terroir — sitting at significant elevation along the Andean foothills — delivers naturally balanced acidity and concentrated aromatics. Winemaking is deliberately restrained, aimed at preserving the grape's original aromatic character while integrating subtle oak-influenced complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh white peach, ripe pear, and pineapple, layered with delicate citrus hints. Beneath the fruit, subtle notes of white flowers — particularly jasmine — emerge alongside nuances of brioche, hazelnut, and a whisper of vanilla.

Taste: The entry is bright and expressive, led by vibrant stone fruit and citrus. The mid-palate builds with surprising volume and unctuosity, revealing well-integrated yeasty and vanilla notes that add texture without overwhelming the fruit core. Honey-tinged sweetness appears briefly before giving way to a more mineral-driven structure.

Finish: The finish is refreshing and moderate in length, closing with delicate mineral hints and lingering traces of white peach. A clean, balanced close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Altos del Plata Chardonnay

Serve chilled to around 10–12°C (50–54°F) in a standard white wine glass to let the aromatics open fully. This Chardonnay also works well in several wine-based drinks: a White Wine Spritzer, where the stone fruit character stays vibrant with soda water; a French 75 variation using this in place of Champagne for a tropical-leaning twist; or a Sangria Blanca, where the pear and peach notes blend naturally with fresh summer fruits.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled chicken or seafood
• Introducing someone to high-altitude Argentine whites
• Warm-weather patio drinking with lighter fare
• Hosting a casual wine tasting focused on New World Chardonnays

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altos del Plata Chardonnay taste like? It presents a fresh, fruit-forward profile dominated by white peach, pear, and citrus, balanced by subtle vanilla and brioche notes from gentle oak influence. The mid-palate has notable body and a refreshing mineral finish.

How does Altos del Plata Chardonnay compare to Catena Chardonnay? Both are Mendoza Chardonnays from altitude-focused producers, but Terrazas Altos del Plata leans toward a lighter, more fruit-driven style, while Catena Chardonnay typically shows more pronounced oak integration and richer body. The Altos del Plata generally sits at a more accessible price tier.

Is Altos del Plata Chardonnay good for everyday drinking? Yes — its approachable fruit character, moderate alcohol, and balanced structure make it a versatile everyday white that pairs well with a wide range of lighter dishes.

Where is Altos del Plata Chardonnay made? It is produced by Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza, Argentina, using Chardonnay grapes grown in high-altitude vineyard sites in the Uco Valley sub-regions of Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira.

What foods pair well with Altos del Plata Chardonnay? Grilled white fish pairs well thanks to the wine's citrus acidity; roasted chicken complements its stone fruit and vanilla notes; creamy pasta dishes match its mid-palate weight; fresh goat cheese highlights the mineral finish; and shrimp ceviche echoes its bright, tropical fruit character.

What sizes does Altos del Plata Chardonnay come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.

Is Altos del Plata Chardonnay worth the price? Positioned as an entry-level expression within the Terrazas de los Andes range, it delivers solid quality and genuine high-altitude character at a price point that undercuts many comparable New World Chardonnays, making it a strong value in its category.

Why Altos del Plata Chardonnay?

What separates this wine from generic supermarket Chardonnay is the altitude-specific viticulture behind it. Terrazas de los Andes doesn't simply grow grapes in Mendoza — they match each variety to a precise elevation using electro-conductivity mapping and soil analysis, a level of site-selection rigor uncommon at this price tier. The result is a Chardonnay with genuine cool-climate freshness and aromatic complexity that punches above its weight. For drinkers curious about what Argentine Chardonnay can achieve beyond the shadow of Malbec, this bottle is a compelling introduction.