Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
After many years of searching for an exceptional terroir in the New World, the genesis of Raventós Codorníu’s seventh (in Spanish, “septima”) winery began in the year 1999 and was built in 2001 in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and 1050 meters above sea level.
It is a winery comitted to its origin. It was built using the ancestral dry-stonewall system, a building technique used by the local Huarpes which makes the winery thermally insulated, and creates the perfect temperature to produce wine through a natural and sustainable procedure.
Septima however, shares characteristics with several establishments founded in Argentina at the beginning of the 21st century which provided the industry with prestige and diversity; and that happened to be key in the national winegrowing industry development. Those features are European heritage and know-how, owned vineyards, focus on the elaboration of premium wines and maximum respect for the terroir.
Septima represents the perfect balance of historical heritage, innovation and enological excellence.
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.