Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The very impressive pale red 2017 Gloria S was produced with the grapes from a massal selection from 1947, planted in gobelet in Los Chacayes at high density. It fermented with 50% full clusters for four days with indigenous yeasts at low temperature in 400-liter oak barrels and 150-liter amphorae and matured equal parts in amphorae and third and fourth use oak barrels. It has an elegant and delicate profile, from the pale color to the fragrant nose of violets and roses, wild red berries and faint spices. It's beautifully textured, with very fine chalky tannins and pungent flavors and is intense and precise, symmetric and proportioned.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
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.