Download Complete Production Notes

Situated on a high plateau in the Uco Valley of Argentina’s Mendoza region, the El Portillo (meaning “portal” or “gateway”) winery and vineyards are dedicated to making superb quality wines for everyday enjoyment. Harmony with nature is readily apparent in every aspect of this property, which is designed to deliver wines that capture and respect the pristine beauty of their birthplace.

El Portillo’s state-of-the-art winery is largely built of local materials, including stones quarried from a nearby valley. This enables the facility to better blend in with the surrounding environment. Built on three levels, each 16 feet deep, with much of the facility concealed below ground, El Portillo is also notable for its employment of a gravity-flow system. This minimizes handling of grapes and helps protect the integrity of the fruit. The facility’s ingenious design, which takes careful advantage of the gentle slopes on which it is built, is thought to be unique in South America.

Production Area
The Chardonnay grapes were grown in very select plots on our estate vineyard Finca El Portillo, at 1,100 meters above sea level. Alluvial soils lying on gravel bed with good permeability and drainage.

Grape Varieties
100% Chardonnay

Vinification
The grapes are harvested after midnight, when temperatures go down to 50°F-53°F. After de-stemming, the berries are transferred to the wine press, where a short cold maceration takes place with dry ice (4 to 6 hours at 50°F). Gentle pressing is performed and the must is sent to stainless steel tanks where the lees are allowed to settle for 48 hours. The clear must is racked to another tank where fermentation takes place, using select yeasts at low temperatures. After fermentation, the wine is racked by gravity, without using pumps, to stainless steel tanks for storage.

Color
Pale yellow with greenish tints

Bouquet
Highly aromatic wine combining touches of pear and green apple

Taste
Fresh and well-balanced, with a long finish

Alcohol
13%

Serving Suggestions
An ideal match for light cuisine such as salads and baked fish, as well as pasta or vegetables with white sauces and light dressings