The Argentine wine industry is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world. Argentine wine, as with some aspects of Argentine cuisine, has its roots in Spain. During the Spanish colonization of the Americas, vine cuttings were brought to Santiago del Estero in 1557, and the cultivation of the grape and wine production stretched first to neighboring regions, and then to other parts of the country. Until the early 1990s, Argentina produced more wine than any other country outside Europe, though the majority of it was considered unexportable. However, the desire to increase exports fueled significant advances in quality. Argentine wines started being exported during the 1990s, and are currently growing in popularity, making it now the largest wine exporter in South America. The most important wine regions of the country are located in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja. Salta, Catamarca, Río Negro and more recently Southern Buenos Aires are also wine producing regions. The Mendoza province produces more than 60% of the Argentine wine and is the source of an even higher percentage of the total exports. Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, molds and other grape diseases that affect vineyards in other countries. This allows cultivating with little or no pesticides, enabling even organic wines to be easily produced.
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Hand harvested grapes are picked in March. Once destemmed, grapes are fermented in a combination of stainless steel (80%) and French oak barrels for 21 days, with both inoculated and native yeasts. Batonnage and 20% malolactic fermentation. Aged in stainless steel (80%) and barrique (1, 2, 3 and 4th use) for six months, followed by three months bottle ageing. Intense and complex on the nose, with predominant aromas of peach, pear and green apple, followed by floral notes such as jasmine and white flowers. Hints of minerals contribute to its complexity.
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Harvest is conducted by hand and grapes are carefully sorted on tables and destemmed before being placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Regular pumping-over ensure a gentle extraction of the tannins. After malolactic fermentation, 50% of the wine is transferred into French oak barrels for a period of 12 months, and 50% is placed in concrete vats. Deep velvety red color with intense ruby hues. Very fruity and fresh on the nose, followed by aromas of red fruit, strawberry and black currant. On the palate, the wine is long, well balanced and pleasant, with refined tannins and generous aromas of red berries.
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Hand harvested in the first of April, usually during the night or at sunrise to avoid oxidation and to preserve primary aromas. 95% of the grapes are destemmed and pre-fermented at a cool 50ºF immediately upon arrival at the winery and left for 72 hours. Fermentation follows for 12 days with both inoculated and native yeasts, followed by post-fermentation maceration for 10 days.Aged in 1, 2 and 3-year-old French and American oak barrels, with 10% aging in stainless steel for 12 months. Aged for an addition 12 months in bottle.Intense violet color, with wildflowers, black fruits, blueberries and nicely integrated oak aromas. It is deep and rich, with flavors of black berries, cherries, spice, and minerals. This is a powerful but balanced wine, with firm tannins and beautiful complexity.