Cerro Chardonnay
Finca Río Negro • Cogolludo, Spain
"The freshness of the summits: a high-mountain Chardonnay that defies limits, combining masterful unctuousness with electric acidity at nearly 1,000 meters of altitude."
Extreme Altitude Viticulture
Cerro Chardonnay is the result of a viticultural challenge in the Sierra Norte of Guadalajara. Cultivated at an altitude of 992 meters, this wine benefits from a radical thermal amplitude that allows the Chardonnay to ripen slowly while retaining a freshness unusual for central Spain. With artisanal fermentation and aging in new French oak barrels, Finca Río Negro delivers a structured, complex, and deeply balanced white.
1. Identity Profile
- Winery: Diez Gómez / Finca Río Negro.
- Origin: Cogolludo, Guadalajara, Spain.
- Varietal: 100% high-mountain Chardonnay.
- Aging: 6 to 9 months on lees in new French oak barrels.
- ABV: 13.5% - 14.0% Alc. Vol.
- Altitude: 992 meters above sea level.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Straw-yellow color with bright golden flashes. It appears clean with evident glyceric tears that reveal its structure.
Nose: High aromatic intensity. Notes of stone fruit (peach) and citrus nuances are intertwined with elegant hints of bakery, fresh butter, and fine vanilla derived from its noble oak.
Palate: Ample, powerful, and very unctuous entry. The volume is immediately balanced by a piercing citrus acidity that provides verticality and freshness. The finish is persistent, leaving a subtle mineral echo.
3. Character Analysis
BODY (STRUCTURED) [ ● ● ● ● ○ ]
VIBRANT ACIDITY [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
SWEETNESS (DRY) [ ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ]
AROMATIC INTENSITY [ ● ● ● ● ○ ]
4. Pairing and Service
Seafood Gastronomy: Grilled salmon, lobster with noisette butter, or baked turbot.
Regional and Mexican Cuisine: A spectacular contrast pairing with Pollo en Mole Verde or pipians.
Cheeses and Temperature: Soft-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert). Serve between 10°C and 12°C.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it called "Cerro" Chardonnay?
It refers to the hill ("cerro") where the specific plot of Finca Río Negro is located, where the soil conditions and solar exposure are optimal for this variety.
What is its aging potential?
Thanks to its exceptional natural acidity and the structure provided by the barrel, this wine will evolve favorably in the bottle for the next 3 to 5 years.