Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Malbec Pizzella Vineyard is from Altamira. The vineyard was originally 17 hectares and the owner planted an additional 12 (and is planting yet more), so there is room to grow. This is the most harmonious, elegant, and at the same time backward, of the three single-vineyard Malbecs. Not as showy as the others in the palate either as the tannins are austere and the chalky minerality sticks to your teeth. The differences between the three Malbecs is clear as they each reflect where the grapes grow. The riper, warmer one from Ugarteche, the fresher, higher acidity wine from Tupungato and the one with more depth from here (Altamira).
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.
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.