Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe pale and delicate 2018 GSM was produced with 70% Garnacha and 15% each Syrah and Monastrell from a field blend in Los Chacayes in the Valle de Uco. It feels quite different from most GSM blends produced in Argentina—it's more floral and fresher, with notes of orange peel, a velvety texture and very fine tannins. This is excellent, and the price merits a serious recommendation.
Eduardo Soler and two friends started Ver Sacrum in 2012 with the concept of growing and vinifying Rhone varietals. Their winemaking ethos focuses on fresh, low alcohol, lighter skin contact, native yeast, honest, and easy drinking wines. All grapes are hand harvested and most are foot crushed with minimal intervention in the vineyards and winery and no corrections, filtration, or pump overs.
They currently make wine from their small vineyard in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley where they have planted Grenache, Monastrell, Carignan, Roussane, Marsanne, Mencia, Syrah, Teroldego, and Nebbiolo. Eduardo came into winemaking after returning to Mendoza and reuniting with some of the most adventurous growers of Argentina. He is also an avid mountaineer who has climbed multiple famous peaks and worked ski patrol in Aspen and Mendoza for many years. He currently owns and operates a small ski resort 2 hours outside of Mendoza.
“When the old sent their young to found new villages, bringing grape vines to start new vineyards, they gave off by a ceremony called the sacred spring or Ver Sacrum. Since then, the Ver Sacrum is a symbol of the new tribe, new art, new vine. We renew this ancient vow, with the audacity create something new. This is our Ver Sacrum”- Eduardo Soler
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.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.