Winemaker Notes
Full-bodied and deep in color, this is a Malbec of the mountains: ripe fruit, but with the structure to pair well with heartier foods: meaty stews with herbs and tomatoes would be ideal.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Calcáreo de Granito de Tupungato was produced with grapes from Gualtallary (Tupungato Winelands); it will eventually show Gualtallary on the label, but for now it says Tupungato. The wine has the wilderness of Gualtallary, with tons of aromatic herbs (thyme) and plenty of light and energy. a red with inner power and very fine chalky tannins. This should age gracefully and channel that energy into further elegance. It was bottled in February 2020.
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.
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.