2023 Quimerino Blanco, Achaval-Ferrer, Mendoza

Tasting note

Quimerino, or “little Quimera”, is a fun, fresh blend. Achaval Ferrer’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc drinkers, Gustavo has included a small portion of Marsanne and Roussane to give a lovely weight and texture to this aromatic white.

Our thoughts

This is the second of Achavel Ferrer’s inaugural white wines, after the release of its Quimera – a rounder, fuller, Chardonnay-dominant blend. This baby brother, being largely Sauvignon Blanc-based (with 5% each of Rousanne and Marsanne) is more zesty in nature, with nice acidity, but still a certain weight and texture on flavours that veer more towards white peach and white flower than the typically assertive Sauvignon zinger. With 90% of the variety, the wine could be labelled Sauvignon Blanc, but its makers have decided against such a route, not only to convey this tropical fruit character, but with the potential for variety in future blends.