Agua de Piedra Seleccion Malbec 2015
Winemaker Notes
Mendoza is one of the greatest wine regions of the world. Wide open spaces with nothing but vines, mountain grandeur and blue skies. The premium grapes selected for Agua de Piedra are from old yielding vineyards on glacial deposit soils. All the vineyards were single trellised and naturally farmed under ideal conditions. The estate and vineyards are located in Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, which is set in the foothills of the great Andes Mountains, Mendoza’s top region for production of fine wines. The vineyards expand over 180 acres at 3,500 feet above sea level and are carefully tended to by a dedicated staff of lifelong farmers with a passion for Malbec. The result is balanced, complex, artisanal wines, made with pride and care, and truly representing the beloved Mendoza terroir. Agua de Piedra always represents the pure essence of Mendoza’s wine country.
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.
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.