SuperUco Calcareo Rio de los Chacayes Malbec 2015
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James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This 100% hand harvested Malbec is from a single vineyard in the Chacayes sub-region of the Uco Valley. The nose is bright with notes of vanilla, baking spices, black berries, and blueberry pie. The wine is smooth as velvet with cassis, plum, and baked blueberries coating the mouth with rich soft fruit. Hints of clove, sage, and cinnamon lead to a long and satisfying finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of tree bark, black tea and dark fruit. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There is a change in the 2015 Calcáreo Río de los Chacayes as this is the first vintage produced with grapes from their own biodynamically-farmed vineyards around the winery. The vines are three years old, and this is the first crop of vines that are head-pruned. There is a faint animal hint, with some damp compost aromas they believe are part of the place. The palate shows some dryness, grainy tannins and a slightly bitter finish.
Other Vintages
2018-
Robert
Parker -
Wilfred
Wong
The Michelini brothers, also winemakers at Mendoza’s renowned Zorzal and Passionate wineries, planted and built their biodynamic winery in the Los Chacayes subregion of the Uco Valley in Argentina in 2012. SuperUco was originally inspired with the intent to showcase three unique calcareous soil types from some of the most highly regarded subregions of the Uco Valley. They produce wines under the Calcareo and SuperUco labels. The dodecahedron shaped winery consists of egg-shaped concrete amphoras, foudres, barrels, and concrete eggs. The two hectare farm is planted in concentric circles so that the vines have 360 degrees of exposure to the sun. The different varietals are planted from the center outward, as its vegetative cycle dictates. This boutique, biodynamic winery produces very limited bottlings of top quality, terroir driven wines.
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.