Bodega Iaccarini Chardonnay – 2011

Bodega Iaccarini Chardonnay 2011 is a single-varietal Argentine Chardonnay from San Rafael, Mendoza, presented in a standard 750ml bottle. Rated 87 points by Master of Wine Tim Atkin, this vintage reflects over a century of winemaking heritage from one of Mendoza’s historically significant family estates.

Quick Facts: Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina | Vintage: 2011 | Varietal: 100% Chardonnay | Elevation: 2,789 ft | Producer: Bodega Iaccarini

Production & Heritage

Bodega Iaccarini was founded in 1903 by Don Pascual Iaccarini, an Italian immigrant who established the estate in the San Rafael sub-region of Mendoza. The vineyards sit at an elevation of 2,789 feet above sea level, where Chardonnay vines ranging from 5 to 25 years of age are trained using the traditional high espalier method. An anti-hail net system protects the vines from the severe weather events common to the region, helping to preserve fruit integrity through harvest.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect aromas consistent with warm-climate Chardonnay grown at moderate altitude ripe stone fruit and citrus with subtle floral undertones. The nose suggests a wine that balances ripeness with the freshness afforded by San Rafael’s elevation and diurnal temperature shifts.

Taste: The palate opens with ripe pear and yellow apple, moving into a mid-palate that carries moderate weight and soft acidity. As a 2011 vintage, the wine has had significant bottle age, which may contribute a honeyed, developed character beyond the primary fruit.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with a clean, gently fading fruit impression. A subtle mineral quality lingers, reflecting the terroir of the San Rafael district.

How to Drink Iaccarini Chardonnay

Serve lightly chilled between 5055F to appreciate the balance between fruit expression and any developed bottle-age character. Given its age, this wine is best enjoyed on its own or alongside food rather than in cocktail applications. Pair it with lighter main courses where the wine can complement rather than compete with the dish.

Best For

• Exploring aged Argentine white wines beyond Torronts and Malbec
• Pairing with a grilled seafood dinner
• Adding a library-vintage Chardonnay to a personal collection
• Introducing friends to the lesser-known San Rafael wine region

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iaccarini Chardonnay taste like? This is a warm-climate Chardonnay with ripe stone fruit and citrus character, moderated by the freshness that comes from vineyards at nearly 2,800 feet elevation in Mendoza. As a 2011 vintage, it may display evolved, honeyed notes from over a decade of bottle aging.

How does Iaccarini Chardonnay compare to Catena Chardonnay? Catena sources its Chardonnay from considerably higher-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley (often above 4,000 feet), resulting in wines with sharper acidity and more pronounced minerality. Iaccarini’s San Rafael fruit, grown at 2,789 feet, typically delivers a rounder, softer profile with riper fruit tones.

Is Iaccarini Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Yes, it works well as a standalone pour, especially for drinkers curious about how Argentine Chardonnay develops with age. Serving it slightly chilled will bring out the best balance of fruit and freshness.

Where is Iaccarini Chardonnay made? Bodega Iaccarini is located in the San Rafael sub-region of Mendoza, Argentina, roughly 150 miles south of the city of Mendoza. San Rafael sits at 2,789 feet above sea level and is one of Mendoza’s official wine-producing departments.

What foods pair well with Iaccarini Chardonnay? Grilled white fish benefits from the wine’s ripe fruit and moderate weight. Roast chicken with herbs complements its softer acidity. Creamy pasta dishes match its round texture. A mild, semi-soft cheese like Havarti echoes the wine’s approachable profile. Empanadas filled with corn and cheese offer a regionally appropriate pairing.

What sizes does Iaccarini Chardonnay come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Iaccarini Chardonnay worth the price? Bodega Iaccarini positions as a value-tier Argentine producer, and this Chardonnay sits comfortably in the affordable range for South American whites. Its 87-point rating from Tim Atkin MW suggests solid quality relative to its price tier, and the 2011 vintage offers an uncommon opportunity to experience an aged Argentine Chardonnay at an accessible level.

Why Iaccarini Chardonnay?

Finding an Argentine Chardonnay with over a decade of bottle age is uncommon at any price point, making the 2011 vintage a genuine curiosity. The 87-point score from Tim Atkin MW one of the foremost authorities on Argentine wine confirms this is a well-made expression from a credible estate. Bodega Iaccarini’s roots stretch back to 1903, placing it among the older family-founded wineries in Mendoza, and its San Rafael terroir at 2,789 feet provides a distinct growing environment compared to the more widely known Uco Valley or Lujn de Cuyo zones. For anyone interested in the breadth of what Mendoza can produce beyond Malbec, this wine is a worthwhile discovery.