Manos Negras Stone Soil Select Malbec 2014
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James
Suckling
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
These patches of stony soil are very low in organic material and very high in mineral content. Their poor profile naturally brings down yields for exceptional concentration of aromas and flavors. Their rocky character imparts a stony texture to the Malbec wines. The Manos Negras Stone Soil Select Malbec is made entirely from select Malbec grapes from these patches of stone soils.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Intense aromas of stone and concrete with blueberry and lavender undertones. Full body yet compacted and dense with a linear backbone of tannins. Juicy dark fruit character. Beautiful drinkability.
Other Vintages
2015-
Robert
Parker - Decanter
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Wine &
Spirits
Manos Negras focuses on latitude winemaking. Argentina and Chile's winemaking regions stretch 1,500 miles north to south along the Andes. Each latitude possesses a unique terroir with singular combinations of soil and temperature which are ideally suited for different varietals. Manos Negras uses the unique skills of three immigrants to Argentina-New Zealand winemakers Duncan Killiner and Jason Mabbett, and American wine educator Jeff Mausbach- as well as the renown Argentine viticulturist Alejandro Sejanovich to craft wines based on exciting terroir-varietal combinations.
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.