TintoNegro Uco Valley-Mendoza Malbec 2012
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The 2012 Malbec Uco Valley is a 4,000-case cuvee aged nine months in French oak, of which 10% was new. A beautiful, full-bodied, seriously endowed Malbec, it possesses a dense purple color along with a sweet bouquet of blueberry and black raspberry fruit interwoven with camphor, licorice and spring flowers as well as a touch of oak. This wonderfully endowed, full-bodied, classic Argentina Malbec should drink nicely for 5-6 years.
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A fresh and simple style of malbec, without grand ambitions, this is concentrated in its fruit flavors while feeling light and smooth.
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TintoNegro, meaning “black wine” in Spanish, celebrates the essence of Malbec in Mendoza. Known for its dark, blackish color, Malbec is definitely a tinto negro. The TintoNegro portfolio explores the terroirs of Mendoza where Malbec does best, gradually isolating unique vineyard sites and winemaking techniques, and showcasing the heights of concentration and complexity to which Malbec can aspire. TintoNegro was born of the long-time friendship and professional collaboration of Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years. As Wine Education Director for Catena, Jeff travelled the world preaching the gospel of the unique character of high-altitude Malbec from Mendoza, explaining the character and expression of its many different terroirs. As Vineyard Director at Catena, Alejandro had extensive, firsthand experience growing Malbec in all of these terroirs, from the fruit-driven, easy-drinking style of Lujan de Cuyo to the concentrated, complex profile La Consulta. His intimate knowledge of the top vineyards in each region means TintoNegro wines are made from only the best fruit each area has to offer.
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.