Winemaker Notes
The vineyards surround the city of San Rafael in southern Mendoza, and are planted 2,600 feet above sea-level. The foothills of the Andes rise above the vineyards and act as a barrier from the damp winds coming off the Pacific ocean. This unique landscape creates an ideal microclimate with moderately warm summers with warm days and cool nights. Winter temperatures fall below freezing at times. The soil is sandy-loam, calcarous and alluvial. There is little rainfall here, so the vineyards are naturally irrigated by runoff from the snow melting on the tops of the Andes. Two rivers, the Diamante and the Atuel also help irrigate the region.
Tasting Notes
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Malbec Ripe fruit aromas are followed by flavors of raspberries and cassis along with a little cocoa and spice. The layers of fruit and spice are finished by notes of black pepper and fruit.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.