Tag Archives: Malbec World Day

Argentina, Wine

Malbec World Day

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Malbec World Day seeks to position Argentine Malbec as one of the most prominent in the world. Every April 17th, and throughout the whole month, different activities are carried out in major cities around the globe to celebrate the success of Argentina’s flagship grape. This is the perfect opportunity to shout about the inky, rich wine that is Malbec, tell your customers and open some bottles!

 

Doña Paula, Estate Malbec | 2017
Mendoza, Argentina

Winemaker Marcos Fernandez creates wines that reflect their sense of place from 100% estate owned fruit, which has been sustainably farmed and  handpicked from two of their finest, high altitude vineyard sites in Uco Valley,  Mendoza.

The cool climate allows the grapes to develop rich varietal characteristics, while retaining balanced acidity, producing an elegant and complex expression of Malbec.

 

Matias Riccitelli, Malbec ‘The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree’ | 2017
Mendoza, Argentina

Young, dynamic winemaker Matias Riccitelli deftly handcrafts wines to express the full potential of Argentine high-altitude terroir. The fusion of two vineyard sites at elevations of up to 1,400 metres brings complexity to this exceptional Malbec.

Made from carefully selected and hand-picked grapes, the cool evenings and warm days produce rich, concentrated flavours, while retaining a balancing freshness.

It’s no wonder this received 92 points from Tim Atkin.

 

Piattelli Vineyards, Malbec Premium | 2017
Salta, Argentina

The century-old vines are grown at an altitude of 1,700 metres surrounded by the stunning Andes Mountains. At this elevation the vines are exposed to intense sunlight, resulting in the grapes forming thicker and darker skins to protect themselves, and ultimately produce deeper colour and flavour concentration.

Valeria produces this exquisite Malbec, which is smooth and refined, full of rich black fruits and a touch of graphite from this cooler region.

Argentina, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: 2014 Altitud Malbec, Andeluna

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To celebrate Malbec World Day on 17th April and Malbec, of course being the heart of Argentina, our Wine of the Month for April is a Malbec  with a head for heights, with grapes coming from vineyards located in Tupungato, Mendoza; 1.300 metres above sea level.

In a nutshell: 

A full flavoured and robust Malbec with plum, chocolate and vanilla oaky flavours and just a hint of eucalyptus.

The producer:

Andeluna was founded in 2003 by the late Ward Lay whose family had interests in many industries and companies including Frito-Lay and Pepsico. The winery and vineyards cover 70 hectares in the beautiful Uco Valley near Tupungato, one of the best sub-regions of Mendoza. By night you can often see the moon illuminating the magnificent Andes Mountains nearby and the winery has been named after this stunning scene. At an altitude of 1,300 metres these vineyards produce some of the best fruit in Argentina. Their winemaker, Manuel Gonzalez (previously Head Winemaker at Pulenta Estate and Chief Enologist at Trivento) works alongside Andeluna’s wine consultant Hans Vinding Diers making outstanding wines which have propelled this producer into the world spotlight in a very short space of time. Their Pasionado range is only made in exceptional vintages and rivals some of the great wines of the world.

The wine:

Berries were hand selected prior to vinifcation and underwent a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperatures. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks at temperatures maintained at approximately 26°C . The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by eight months in bottle, prior to release.

Tasting note:

A soft, supple Malbec with aromas of figs and plums, intermingled with notes of vanilla, coffee and chocolate. Sweet fruit on the palate combine with soft tannins and a long velvety finish.

The ideal match for steak, barbecued red meats or a rich lentil stew.