2023 Mendoza Chardonnay, Kaiken Ultra

• Style: Dry, mineral-driven Chardonnay
• Taste: Candied pear, hazelnut, toast with saline minerality
• Food: Roasted poultry, buttery fish, creamy cheese
• Occasion: Weeknight dinner, summer lunch, aperitivo
• Serve: Chilled, now through 2027

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Golden and mineral-driven, this Chardonnay balances honeyed ripeness with lime-bright freshness. Candied pear and quince perfume the nose; hazelnut and toast bloom on the palate, all anchored by a pleasing mineral undertow. Slow ripening at 1,400 metres in the Gualtallary hills preserved the acidity and stone-like grip that elevates buttery white wine beyond mere richness. Hand-harvested fruit split between cool concrete tanks and new French oak delivers real tension—oily, long-finishing, and built for the table.

The Winery — Kaiken

Kaiken was established by Montes, the Chilean producer, who crossed the Andes to plant in Mendoza's premium heartland and the southern Uco Valley. Over two decades, the house has mastered that region's dual character: Gualtallary's bracing altitude and Vistalba's concentration. This Ultra cuvée sources from both terroirs. The winery controls 70 per cent of its vineyards; the remaining fruit comes from growers who share its commitment to low-yield, high-quality viticulture. The 2023 vintage benefited from a dry growing season and careful autumn temperatures, delivering precisely the balance of golden fruit wrapped in saline stone that defines the house style.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Drink this now through 2027 with roasted chicken, butter-sauced fish, creamy cheeses or braised white-wine dishes. If you're exploring Argentina beyond Malbec, or seeking a serious Chardonnay that doesn't lean on oak, this is the bottle. The mineral tension and freshness make it equally at home as an aperitivo on a summer evening or paired with light salads and shellfish. Browse the rest of our Mendoza selection and Chardonnay range to discover more from this remarkable region and grape.