Tahuan Malbec 2006
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Other Vintages
2021-
James
Suckling
-
James
Suckling
-
James
Suckling
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling
-
James
Suckling
-
Wine
Spectator
Sometimes new, marvelous places produce strong sensations in our mind and body. Founded by Ernesto Catena, a fourth-generation winemaker of Italian descent, the story of Tahuan began when Ernesto first became enchanted by the Tahuantinsuyu, the realm of the Inca culture. Through commerce and religion, the Incas conquered most of the Andean tribes, and in their quest for union they built a network of roads connecting all the Andean micro-cultures from Quito to Mendoza. It is on one such road that Ernesto first dreamed of honoring the culture of the Tahuantinsuyu, the quechua expression for “The Found Lands United”, with Tahuan wines.
Tahuan produces 100% varietal wines from selected old vineyards at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. After fermenting in small tanks, they are aged in American and French oak barrels for no less than eight months, and then aged in bottle until ready to be released. These wines best reflect how Mendoza’s unique terroir can influence the varietals personality.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.