Winemaker Notes
Ruby red in color glinting with violet, the wine is astonishingly bright in the glass. The nose is immediately captivating, with the underlying complexity and restrained power of the greatest red wines. In just a few minutes, this sense of reserve is transformed into a floral bouquet and classic fine wine aromas. Ripe fruits, black cherries, and prunes come to the fore, alongside the violet perfume beloved of Malbec. A waft of capsicum hints subtly at the presence of Cabernet Franc. The palate swells with power and great complexity. Voluptuous but graceful nonetheless, the wine retains a sense of freshness that enlivens the senses. Skilfully wrought, the wine’s gentle tannins and oak integration are the result of careful extraction and maturation techniques. Finely poised, Tiano & Nareno is unique.
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.
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.