Winemaker Notes
Portillo is a collection of easy-to-drink, fresh and fruit-forward wines from Argentina with uncommon quality and concentration that are ideal for every day enjoyment. Grown at the foot of the majestic, snow-covered Andes in the Uco Valley of Argentina's Mendoza winemaking region, Portillo brings a remarkable collection of wines grown at some of the highest elevations on the planet. At this altitude, the sun is closer, the nights cooler, and the vineyards are irrigated by melted glacier water from the Andes.
The name “Portillo”, Spanish for ‘gateway’ or ‘portal’, was inspired by a high elevation mountain pass in the Andes Mountains, which opens a path to the vineyards. The state-of-the-art winery is largely built with local materials, including stones quarried from a nearby valley, enabling the facility to better blend into the surrounding environment. Built on three levels, with much of the facility concealed below ground, Portillo is also notable for its employment of a gravity-flow system. This minimizes handling of grapes and helps protect the integrity of the fruit.
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.
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.