2024 Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir, Patagonia

Sourced from younger plantings at the estate with declassifications from the upper-level bottlings, the 2024 Barda is a pitch-perfect introduction to the Chacra range. It leads with a radiantly floral and red-fruited bouquet supported by smoky, earth-tinged accents while sacrificing no purity. The palate is silky and suave, smoothly flowing into a balanced, persistent finish. It fermented with 15% whole clusters and matured in equal parts cement amphora and barrique, of which 10% was new.

92 points robertparker.com

Since Piero Incisa della Rocchetta acquired the vineyards now known as Bodega Chacra, the estate has established itself as Patagonia’s leading source of Pinot Noir. In collaboration with terroir consultant Pedro Parra, pruning specialist Marco Simonit and Jean-Marc Roulot, Chacra achieves a level of harmony, depth and transparency that is unique in the spectrum of the region’s offerings.

Centered around vineyards established in 1932, 1945 and 1955, now farmed organically and biodynamically, the estate spans 32 hectares and lies on an ancient riverbed of predominantly sandy soils with calcareous and silt components and small pockets of clay. Plant material is exclusively that of ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, replenished as necessary from a proprietary nursery. In addition to Pinot Noir, small amounts of Torrontés, Trousseau, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are co-planted at an average of 5,000 vines per hectare.

Minimal intervention characterizes cellar practices. Since 2015, all fermentations have been native and sulfur-free, without any acidification or enzyme additions. Extremely gentle extractions and basket pressing are standard, as is the reincorporation of press wine. A short élevage of seven to nine months takes place in used barriques, amphorae and shallow concrete vats, completely avoiding new oak for the top bottlings. The finished wines are slender and focused, delivered with admirable purity, finesse and vibrancy.

Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir is a striking example of what Patagonia can produce when Pinot Noir finds its spiritual home outside Burgundy. Founded in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, grandson of Mario Incisa (the creator of Sassicaia in Tuscany), Bodega Chacra focuses entirely on Pinot Noir from ungrafted vines in the Río Negro Valley. The philosophy is deeply rooted in biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and respect for place, giving the wines a purity and sense of origin that has made Chacra one of Argentina’s most exciting producers.

Barda is the most approachable expression in the Chacra range, sourced from younger vines on sandy, gravelly soils along the Río Negro. It is vibrant, elegant, and perfumed, showing wild strawberries, red cherries, rose petals, and a dusting of spice. The palate is light to medium-bodied, silky in texture, and layered with fresh acidity that carries notes of cranberry and earthy mineral undertones. There is a lifted, almost ethereal quality that balances finesse with just enough fruit-driven generosity to make it immediately enjoyable.

Pairing it with food is a delight: grilled salmon, duck breast with pomegranate glaze, mushroom risotto, or even charcuterie and hard alpine cheeses all highlight its balance of freshness and savoury depth. Although intended for earlier drinking, Barda can age gracefully for 5 to 8 years, gaining complexity and savoury nuance.