Septima Malbec/Cabernet Blend 2002
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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.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.