Septima Tempranillo 2006
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After many years of searching for an exceptional terroir in the New World, the genesis of Raventós Codorníu’s seventh (in Spanish, “septima”) winery began in the year 1999 and was built in 2001 in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and 1050 meters above sea level.
It is a winery comitted to its origin. It was built using the ancestral dry-stonewall system, a building technique used by the local Huarpes which makes the winery thermally insulated, and creates the perfect temperature to produce wine through a natural and sustainable procedure.
Septima however, shares characteristics with several establishments founded in Argentina at the beginning of the 21st century which provided the industry with prestige and diversity; and that happened to be key in the national winegrowing industry development. Those features are European heritage and know-how, owned vineyards, focus on the elaboration of premium wines and maximum respect for the terroir.
Septima represents the perfect balance of historical heritage, innovation and enological excellence.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
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.