Andeluna Malbec 2013
Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Andeluna Cellars is a winery and vineyard rich with history and romance –just like the country it calls home. This beautiful place is the inspiration for the name Andeluna, which was chosen to symbolize the romance and heritage of the Argentine moon illuminating the magnificent Andes Mountains that frame the Uco Valley. The combination of great vineyards growing classic varietals, with world-class winemaking, creates flavors and wines that cannot be found anywhere else.
Premium quality wine starts with premium quality grapes, and this is the essence of Andeluna. In the late 19th Century, many Italians immigrated to Argentina seeking opportunities that the rich and beautiful land provided. Searching for nothing less than the perfect place to make the world's best wine, they came to Mendoza and planted vineyards that began the heritage of Argentina's winemaking industry.
For generations, Argentina has grown and perfected the traditional grape varieties of the Old World – Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. But the feet of Andeluna don't rest in the soil of the Old World. Instead, they are planted firmly in the New World in a stunning series of vineyards that climb up the foothills of the Andes.
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.