Finca Abril Alhambra Valle de Uco Reserva Malbec 2019
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Alhambra wines represent the entry level for Finca Abril, but do not stand apart. The wines are driven by the terroir of the same two estate vineyards as the "Finca Abril" wines: Altimara and La Consulta. The selection for Alhambra focuses on the younger vines and the vinification is the same.
Finca Abril is a family-owned company founded in 1996 which achieves the project of producing limited editions of high-quality wines that represent the absolute expression of the vineyard terroir. The project was inspired by a small part of an old farm in the Uco Valley – Mendoza- Argentina with vineyards planted in 1922 and perched at a high altitude of more than 3,400 feet above sea level.
Excellent vineyards, suitable soils, wide temperature range, sustainable natural treatment of vines, low yields, hand-harvests, strict monitoring, careful barrel aging and care, are the principles that define the quality of the wines that Finca Abril produces every year.
The two farms are located high up at the base of the Andes in La Consulta, which is located in Valle de Uco in the Province of Mendoza. They prune and thin their vines to ensure low-yields and high-quality fruit.
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.