Winemaker Notes
In 1935, Carlos Basso, together with his brother Tulio, purchased the "Santa Ana" winery, eventually turning it into one of Argentina's largest premium brands. Seeking to simplify their lives and once again become involved in small production winemaking, the family sold "Santa Ana" in 1996. Using the profits from this sale the Basso's purchased and remodeled a small winery in Carrodilla, Mendoza the following year. Inside this space the Vina Amalia winery was born. The winery uses 100% estate fruit, with two vineyards in Mendoza's Uco Valley. Carlos and his son Adolfo run the day to day operations of the winery.
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.
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.