Chacra, Bodega
Summary
Bodega Chacra is a boutique Patagonian estate founded in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, operating 24 hectares of vineyards in Argentina's Rio Negro Valley where historic ungrafted Pinot Noir vines (some dating to 1932) thrive in alluvial soils and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts. The estate's distinctive identity stems from its certified biodynamic viticulture, minimalist winemaking approach using indigenous yeasts and neutral vessels, and its pioneering role in demonstrating Patagonia's potential for elegant, site-expressive wines beyond Argentina's traditional Mendoza-Malbec paradigm.
Heritage & Leadership
Bodega Chacra was established in 2004 when Piero Incisa della Rocchetta acquired an abandoned vineyard planted in 1932 in the Rio Negro Valley of Patagonia, Argentina. As the grandson of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, creator of Sassicaia, Piero brought a deep understanding of fine winemaking to this remote southern region. The property's name, "Chacra," refers to a small farm or plot of land in Patagonian Spanish.
The estate began with the purchase of the 1932 vineyard, followed by the acquisition of another vineyard planted in 1955. Piero has maintained sole ownership since founding, though in 2012 he initiated a partnership with Burgundian winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot to produce Chardonnay under the Mainqué label. Under Piero's direction, Bodega Chacra has focused exclusively on producing site-specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from these old, ungrafted vines, becoming the first producer in Patagonia to receive biodynamic certification in 2009.
Vineyards & Wines
Bodega Chacra's vineyards span approximately 24 hectares in the Rio Negro Valley, situated 620 meters above sea level. The estate comprises three primary vineyard sites: Treinta y Dos (planted in 1932), Cincuenta y Cinco (planted in 1955), and Barda (from younger vines). These vineyards benefit from the region's desert climate, with abundant sunshine, low humidity, and significant diurnal temperature variations that can exceed 25°C between day and night.
The soils consist primarily of alluvial deposits with rounded pebbles, limestone, and clay, providing excellent drainage. The Rio Negro Valley's natural isolation has protected these vines from phylloxera, allowing them to grow on their original rootstock. The estate produces three distinct Pinot Noirs named after their planting years—Treinta y Dos, Cincuenta y Cinco, and Barda—along with Mainqué Chardonnay from the collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot. Annual production remains limited, with approximately 50,000 bottles produced across all wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Bodega Chacra adheres to certified biodynamic and organic farming practices across all vineyard sites. The estate follows a minimal intervention approach, with all vineyard work performed by hand, including harvesting in small 15kg cases. Fermentation occurs using only indigenous yeasts in concrete vats and small oak casks, with no temperature control beyond what the natural environment provides.
For aging, Piero employs a combination of concrete eggs, used French oak barrels, and clay amphorae, deliberately avoiding new oak to preserve the purity of fruit expression. The wines undergo neither fining nor filtration before bottling. Water conservation forms a central tenet of the estate's practices, with drip irrigation used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Solar panels provide much of the energy for the winery operations, reflecting the estate's commitment to sustainability. This approach to viticulture and winemaking aims to express the distinctive character of old-vine Pinot Noir from this unique Patagonian terroir.