Tilia Chardonnay

Tilia Chardonnay is a certified organic Chardonnay from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 90 points by James Suckling on its 2022 vintage, this expression stands out as the first Argentine wine to carry the Bodegas de Argentina Certified Sustainable Seal on its label.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Organic Chardonnay  |  Producer: Tilia Wines

Production & Heritage

Tilia sources its 100% organic Chardonnay grapes from vineyards across Central Mendoza — including Rivadavia, Agrelo, Junín, and Maipú — at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet above sea level. The wine is fermented for three months in stainless steel tanks, then aged for three months in French and American oak barrels with 10% new oak, lending subtle toasty complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Only about 20% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, a deliberate choice that preserves bright acidity and freshness while allowing a restrained creaminess to emerge.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: White flowers greet the nose first, followed by layers of tropical fruit — pineapple, banana, and ripe peach. Underneath, refreshing mineral hints add complexity and lift.

Taste: The entry is fresh and fruit-forward, with sweet tropical fruit and peach leading the way. At mid-palate, crème brûlée and toasted bread flavors surface from the oak aging, balanced by notes of lemon curd and sliced green apple. The mouthfeel is textured and sleek with a medium body that never feels heavy.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering with crisp, balanced acidity and a subtle mineral undertone. A clean, linear elegance carries through to the last sip.

How to Drink Tilia Chardonnay

Serve chilled to around 50–55°F to let the tropical fruit and oak nuances express themselves fully. This Chardonnay is equally enjoyable on its own or as a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink component. Try it in a White Wine Spritzer, where its bright acidity and fruit character shine through sparkling water and citrus. It works well in a Chardonnay Sangria with stone fruits and a splash of brandy, playing off the wine's natural peach and tropical notes. A French 75 variation substituting this Chardonnay for Champagne delivers a rounder, fruit-driven twist on the classic.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a versatile, food-friendly white
• Introducing friends to Argentine wine beyond Malbec
• Summer outdoor gatherings and patio sipping
• Gifting to someone who values organic and sustainably produced wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tilia Chardonnay taste like? Tilia Chardonnay leads with ripe tropical fruit, peach, and green apple, layered with crème brûlée and toasted bread from partial oak aging. Crisp acidity and mineral undertones keep the palate fresh and balanced.

How does Tilia Chardonnay compare to Catena Chardonnay? Both are Mendoza Chardonnays, but Tilia is certified organic with only three months of oak contact and 10% new barrels, resulting in a lighter, more fruit-driven profile. Catena's standard Chardonnay typically sees more extended oak treatment and positions at a higher price tier.

Is Tilia Chardonnay good for everyday sipping? Absolutely — its medium body, balanced acidity, and approachable fruit character make it an easy-drinking white that works well chilled on its own or alongside a casual meal.

Where is Tilia Chardonnay made? Tilia Chardonnay is produced in Mendoza, Argentina, with grapes sourced from vineyards in Rivadavia, Agrelo, Junín, and Maipú at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 feet. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks and French and American oak barrels.

What foods pair well with Tilia Chardonnay? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the wine's tropical fruit and acidity. Creamy pasta dishes echo the crème brûlée notes from oak aging. Fresh ceviche mirrors its citrus and mineral character. Mild soft cheeses like Brie or Havarti harmonize with the wine's medium body. Roasted vegetable salads with a lemon vinaigrette align with its bright, clean profile.

What sizes does Tilia Chardonnay come in? Tilia Chardonnay is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Tilia Chardonnay worth the price? Tilia positions as a value-tier organic Chardonnay, and a 90-point James Suckling score on the 2022 vintage places it well above expectations for its price category. The certified organic and sustainable credentials add genuine substance to an already overdelivering wine.

Why Tilia Chardonnay?

Tilia Chardonnay earned the distinction of being the first Argentine wine to carry the Bodegas de Argentina Certified Sustainable Seal — a tangible commitment that goes beyond marketing. The 90-point score from James Suckling on the 2022 vintage confirms that sustainability here does not come at the expense of quality. The restrained use of oak — just three months with only 10% new barrels — and the decision to limit malolactic fermentation to 20% reflect a producer focused on letting Mendoza's high-altitude fruit speak clearly. For anyone seeking an organic, well-made Argentine Chardonnay that delivers real complexity at an accessible price, Tilia makes a compelling case.