Piattelli Premium Reserve Malbec 2013
Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
To understand our essence is to understand that Piattelli first and foremost is a unique and special place—the soil, the water, the air, and the climate—the terroir. Out of this place has evolved a people, a culture and a passion for wine. From that people, a select few have joined to form a team of specialists who are defined by our shared values and commitment to the truth and beauty that can only be found in our estate-level winemaking process. From our shared vision a respect for traditional winemaking techniques and appreciation for contemporary flavors have fused. Finally, Piattelli must be understood to be a story with a beautiful history, a bright future and a strong legacy.
So what is the essence of Piattelli Vineyards? Perhaps most keenly it can be described as the quite, heartfelt invitation we extend to each and every wine consumer to come and share in the various dimensions of our identity by enjoying the beautiful experience of drinking our wines, which are easy to drink yet delightfully expressive.
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.
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.