Growing Conditions
The Malbec is the signature grape of Argentina. Originally from France, it found the perfect environment in the Andes. The Malbec vines have found the ideal location along the Mendoza river and in the Uco Valley. Winding through the foothills of the Andes, the Mendoza river region has the longest history of wine production in the Mendoza province, while the Uco Valley is also an interesting area to grow grape – being higher in the mountains, where the climate is cooler. The climate in Mendoza is arid. There is not much rain and humidity is low. Summer sunshine is intense and winters are cold. These conditions allow the grapes to mature slowly. The wide variation between the hot days and the cold nights allows for a good level of sugar to develop in the grapes, while intensifying the acidity, colour and aromas. The secret of the wine growing lies in the soil, which is alluvial with stony subsoil and good drainage, which forces the roots to penetrate deeply to find water and nutrients. Annual temperatures 15 ° / 19 ° C. Summer DTR 19°/32°CWinterDTR 4°/16°C.Averageannualrainfallof200mm. Vineyards Altitude between 900 – 1.200 m.a.s.l.
Winemaking
Cluster selection table and destemming. Cooling of the must for a short pre-fermentation maceration at 15-20oC Spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts and controlled temperatures between 26 - 28oC. Gentle extractions through pump-overs and délestage. Moderate post-fermentation maceration. Drawing off and pressing. Malolactic fermentation. Filtered and bottled
Aging
30% of the wine is aging in used French oak barrels for 8 months, and 12 months in a bottle before release.
