Winemaker Notes
Keeping the elegant and balanced house style, Mosquita Muerta Malbec reveals aromas of flowers, wild berries, herbs and moderate influence from the oak aging.
From our highest vineyards located in Uco Valley at 1250 m.a.s.l. (Los Chacayes estate) and 1350 m.a.s.l. (El Manzano estate), hand-harvested grapes at different dates in order to find the ideal ripeness and expression. Each component is fermented in French oak barrels and concrete egg shaped vats. Then 50% of the wine is aged in new French oak barrles for 18 months while the rest remains in concrete vats.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The eponymous 2016 Mosquita Muerta Malbec is the top of the range (with a white and red blend in the same range) produced with fruit from different parts of Valle de Uco in Mendoza. It was produced in a fresh and transparent style, aided by the cool natural conditions of the year that delivered electric freshness. It has a varietal and clean nose mixing notes of violets and wild berries and herbs with very integrated oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied with juicy fruit and a tasty, almost salty finish.
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.