Winemaker Notes
In this blend, each variety of grape contributes its typicity, contributing the best of itself, resulting in a dark red wine with almost black hues. The Malbec imparts volume in the palate, roundness, sweet tannins, and aromas of red fruit jams. The Cabernet Franc imparts lingering tannins and distinctive earthy notes, mainly of eucalyptus. The grape varieties are perfectly blended, resulting in an intriguing, complex wine with a sophisticated personality.
It is ideal to accompany grilled meats and vegetables and pasta with aromatic herbal sauces. It harmonizes very well with blue cheese and brie cheese.
Blend: 86% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Franc
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 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.