Etchart Cafayate Malbec 2018
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2019-
James
Suckling
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.
Home to some of Argentina’s best Torrontes, the Cafayate Valley’s rugged, high-altitude vineyards are part of the Calchaquies Valley in northwestern Argentina. Here, this Argentine white variety is able to achieve optimal ripeness while maintaining a higher than average acidity; its wines are typically full-bodied, dry to off-dry and alluringly aromatic.
In the Cafayate Valley, summers are warm and while most rainfall happens in these months, it isn’t enough to supply to the vineyards with enough water for the entire year. Snowmelt provides a fresh water source for irrigation in these arid and extreme conditionss.