Ricardo Santos El Gran Malbec 2013 Front Bottle Shot
Ricardo Santos El Gran Malbec 2013 Front Bottle Shot Ricardo Santos El Gran Malbec 2013 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Deep violet tones with intense aroma that combines red berries with oak. In the mouth shows a big body with unctuosity combined with freshness that gives a very long finish. All this attributes achieve the possibility of a very long aging potential.

Professional Ratings

  • 90

    Rocky minerally aromas of cherry and plum show a streak of toasty, minty oak. This Malbec feels tight, rubbery and clamping due to hard tannins. Oaky flavors of plum skins, blackberry and baking spices are chocolaty in front of a resiny finish with heat, dryness, mild bitterness and fierce tannins. Drink through 2026. Global Vineyard Importers.

Ricardo Santos

Ricardo Santos

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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.

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Mendoza

Argentina

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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.

GVIG1RS3CMA_2013 Item# 540175