2019 Gen del Alma ‘Jijiji’ Chenin Blanc Tunuyán
2019 Gen del Alma ‘Jijiji’ Chenin Blanc Tunuyán
Region: Tupungato < Mendoza < Argentina
Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, fruit grown on a high altitude(3,300 feet) single vineyard in Tunuyan (within the Tupungato
sub-zone); alluvial soils; destemmed, 20-day fermentation; bottled
unfined/unfiltered with minimal SO2 at bottling; 12.5% ABV
Winemaker: Andrea Mufatto
Gen del Alma is a newish project from Gerardo Michelini, of Mendoza
winery Zorzal, and his wife and winemaker, Andrea Mufatto. The couple
planted vines on their own property adjacent to the Zorzal winery,
with the goal of showcasing the purity, minerality, and freshness of
the area’s volcanic terroir. And Chenin seems to like Argentina's
volcanic terroir, as witnessed in this pretty version that would not
be out of place in a French bistro. The flavors are classic Chenin --
green apple, lemon and white flowers on a waxy, mineral-driven palate,
with a clean, salty, high-acid finish. Easy-drinking and elegant, you
want this to pair with cheese plates or roast chicken --- and at this
price, it makes a perfect fall house white. Stock up.