Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The grapes for the 2014 Malbec Terroir are sourced from the cooler Valle de Uco within Mendoza, from Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary, to be precise, where they have very stony soils. 2014 saw a lot of rain—in three weeks they got the equivalent of two years of rainfall—and they decided to harvest earlier to keep the acidity, aiming for lower alcohol and finer tannins. Half of the wine was kept in concrete, while the remaining half was put equal parts in stainless steel and 3,500-liter, mostly untoasted oak foudres for one year. There is good balance between volume and minerality here, between ripeness and subtlety.
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.