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Chakana
Argentina - Mendoza

Chakana is a family owned winery located 960 meters (3,149 feet) above sea level at the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Agrelo, Mendoza. It is one of the leading projects among the new generation of winemakers dedicated to the discovery and expression of the Andean diversity of climate and soils.

southern cross smSouthern CrossChakana is the name given to the Southern Cross constellation by the indigenous people of the Andes highlands. The Chakana is believed to hold the key to finding the perfect timing for the cultivation and harvesting of crops – a calendar, compass & symbolic link between earth and spirit. On May 2, 2002, the Chakana reached perfect vertical position in the sky, marking the beginning of a new farming cycle. It was then that Chakana's founder Juan Pelizzatti chose its name for his winery, paying homage to the Incan understanding of and respect for nature. 

Chakana wines are designed by winemaker Gabriel Bloise, whose wines get “better with every vintage” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Gabriel has participated in multiple harvests in key regions of the world, such as Tuscany, California, Priorat, and Australia. 

Gabriel & the team at Chakana are committed to biodynamic and organic viticulture & preserving the true character of the soils & region: "Higher quality fruit demands minimum intervention in the winery to create truly enjoyable wines that challenge the established criteria of manipulation: spontaneous fermentation, natural acidity, minimum or no sulphur, locally adapted varieties, no clarification nor filtration preserve the identity of wines."

The Vineyards

Chakana owns 121 hectares (299 acres) of vineyards, spread across the top terroirs in Mendoza. They have followed organic and biodynamic viticulture practices since 2012 and have organic, biodynamic & vegan certifications from Demeter, USDA & other organizations.

chakana winery vineyard panarama1 

  • Finca Nuna in Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo – 80 hectares (198 acres) at 950 meters above sea level, planted with Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The terroir is loam and clay with gravel 70 cm deep, some limestone. Urban influenced climate, relatively warm. Organic & biodynamic certified.
  • Finca Ayni in Paraje Altamira, Valle du Uco – 26 hectares (64 acres) at 1100m planted with Malbec, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache & Mouvedre. Terroir is sandy-loam with gravel up to 70 cm deep. Dominated by limestone; temperate climate. The vineyard's 'Parcela Gravas' is certified organic.
  • Finca Los Cedros in Paraje Altamira, Valle du Uco – 15 hectares (37 acres) planted with Malbec & Cabernet Franc. Terroir is sandy-loam with gravel up to 70 cm deep. Dominated by limestone; temperate climate. Certified organic.

Chakana produces 150,000 9-liter cases per year and exports to 33 countries. With more than 50,000 cases sold in the USA every year, Chakana is one of the top premium exporters of Argentine wine to the USA. 

Reviews and News

Chakana Wines - Argentina Special Report 2016 - Tim Atkin

Chakana Wines - Argentina Special Report 2016 - Tim Atkin

tim atkin logo 250"Chakana’s wines are getting better with every vintage under winemaker Gabriel Bloise."
- Tim Atkin, Argentina Special Report 2016

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Producer Details
Founded
2002
Location
Argentina
Wine Production Area
Argentina - Mendoza - Lujan de Cuyo, Uco Valley
Winemaker
1st Winemaker: Leonardo Devia / 2nd Winemaker: Emilia Thomas / Consultant Winemaker: Gabriel Bloise
Acreage
299 acres (121 hectares)
Grape Varietal(s)
Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Age of Vines
Oldest vines over 100+
Agricultural Practices
Biodymanic Certified
Annual Production
150,000 (9-liter cases)

Producer Documents