Winemaker Notes
Vineyard:
The grapes are sourced from the Maipú district of Mendoza at about 2,600 feet above sea level. The 24
year-old vineyards receive plenty of warm, sunny days, cool nights and a mild harvest which allow for
gradual ripening and optimum level of maturity. Hand tended and hand harvested, the Rutini family's
high altitude vineyards provide the foundation for Trumpeter.
Today, the winery boasts stainless steel tanks, two pneumatic presses, imported crushers, vacuum pumps and filters, in addition to 500 new French Oak barrels. Over the last couple of years, the Trumpeter wines have soared to new heights in popularity in the United States. Offering four varietals: a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Malbec, Bodega La Rural has crafted new wines with attractive new labels that have created quite a stir in the media. These wines have received praise in many respected publications ranging from Wine Spectator and Wine & Spirits magazine to the Washington Post daily newspaper.
Argentina of course is heralded for its Malbecs. But in the last two decades Cabernet Sauvignon has been drawing increased attention from winemakers there, and is now the third most planted variety. It is grown in the Mendoza region in the Andean foothills, especially in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, at altitudes between 2300 and 3100 feet. Here the climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. It is very dry and sometimes quite windy, with runoff from the snow-capped Andes providing irrigation. These Argentinian Cabernets offer dark fruit, spice notes, full body and often a voluptuous style.
Another source within Mendoza is the higher altitude Uco Valley, at 3300 to 5000 feet. Up at this level grapes ripen more slowly, despite the bright sun. But that enables them to develop bright acidity levels, giving the wines a fresh quality to go with intense fruit flavors. Another source of good Cabernet Sauvignon in Argentina is Cafayate, in the Calchaquí Valley. North of Mendoza, these vineyards are even higher, at about 5700 feet! These Cabernets carry notes of spice, herbs and menthol to go with dark fruit. Like those from Uco Valley, they show concentration and great vibrancy.
A few producers to look for are Catena, Viña Cobos, Pulenta and Altocedro. Salud!