Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The incredible 2016 Eggo Tinto de Tiza was cropped from one of the coolest years in recent times, which provided a slow ripening of the grapes and resulted in wines with higher natural acidity. This wine is now exclusively Malbec from Gualtallary (it used to have some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon before). It fermented with 10% full clusters and indigenous yeasts in egg-shaped concrete vats, where the wine matured for ten months. It's super aromatic, with notes of thyme, oregano, spices and something earthy, like the countryside after the rain. It's young and has an explosive, vibrant palate with electric acidity and chalky tannins. 2016 could very well be the finest vintage to date, one of those vintages that will be legendary. This is just unbelievable for the price.
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.