Alma 4 Blanc de Blancs 2020

The Land

Perched at 1,400 meters above sea level in the heart of the Uco Valley, Alma 4's Chardonnay is sourced from the high-altitude vineyards of Gualtallary (Tupungato) and San Pablo (Tunuyán). These exceptional sites benefit from cool temperatures, intense sunlight, and calcareous soils that impart remarkable freshness, precision, and minerality to the wine. The sustainable farming practices employed by Alma 4 respect the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem, resulting in a wine that captures the essence of the Andes.

The Wine
100% Chardonnay, this wine truly competes with the best sparkling wines of the world, but for a fraction of the price! 20% of the base wine was fermented in used 500L French oak barrels, adding texture and complexity while preserving purity, as malolactic fermentation was intentionally avoided to maintain vibrant acidity. Produced using the méthode champenoise, the wine spent 40 months on the lees, followed by an elevage of 50 months. The result is an elegant sparkling wine with an expressive bouquet of citrus zest, golden apple, and fresh-baked brioche. On the palate, a creamy mousse carries flavors of lemon curd, white peach with a long, mineral-driven finish. 

The People
Alma 4 is the collaborative vision of four lifelong friends—Agustín López, Mauricio Castro, Marcela Manini, and Sebastián Zuccardi—who met as teenagers at Mendoza's Liceo Agrícola & Enológico School. What began as an experiment in 1998, producing just 300 bottles of méthode traditionnelle wine, has grown into a celebrated project that continues to set the standard for South American sparkling wine. With over two decades of experience, Alma 4 remains devoted to crafting limited-production cuvées that embody their shared passion and respect for the land.

Food Pairings

Vegetarian:
Asparagus Risotto with Lemon Zest
The crisp acidity and mineral-driven profile of the Alma 4 Blanc de Blancs enhance the delicate flavors of creamy asparagus risotto. The wine’s citrusy notes align beautifully with the brightness of lemon zest, while its elegant mousse adds texture, creating a harmonious balance with the dish’s rich yet fresh character.

Seafood Elegance:
Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon-Butter Sauce
The Blanc de Blancs’ vibrant acidity and fine bubbles cut through the richness of the buttery sauce, while its citrus and mineral notes complement the halibut’s delicate flavor. The dish’s simplicity allows the wine’s refined texture and complexity to shine, creating a beautifully balanced pairing.

Savory Indulgence:
Roast Chicken with Herbs and Garlic
The wine’s subtle creaminess and toasty lees influence beautifully complement the golden, crispy skin of roast chicken. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, while the herbal notes in the dish echo the wine’s floral and mineral-driven nuances, making for a satisfying and versatile pairing.