Our 2019 Malbec Reserve
I am delighted to share with you the story behind our 2019 Malbec Reserva, crafted in the heart of San Rafael, Mendoza—a region known for producing exceptional wines. The 2019 season in Mendoza was notably unique and presented conditions that left an indelible mark on this vintage.
The 2019 Mendoza Season: Nature’s Imprint
The 2019 season was characterized by cooler and wetter weather than usual, which played a pivotal role in the development of the grapes. This climate led to a slower, more even ripening process that allowed for greater flavor complexity and enhanced structure in the wine. The resulting grapes exhibited balanced acidity and a pronounced aromatic profile, contributing to wines with strong aging potential. This unique combination of factors made 2019 a standout vintage, offering remarkable wines that capture both elegance and depth.
Winemaker's Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
Our 2019 Malbec Reserva shines with an enticing deep violet-red hue and intense black shades. The bouquet opens with rich aromas of plum and dark fruits, gracefully complemented by subtle hints of vanilla derived from its time spent in oak barrels. On the palate, it is perfectly balanced, showcasing an interplay of vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and a gentle touch of sweetness. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a satisfying, layered aftertaste where fruit and oak integrate seamlessly.
The Vineyard: Terroir and Tradition
This vintage comes from Plot No. 5 of our estate in Las Paredes, planted in 2015 at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level. The unique terroir of this area, irrigated by the pure meltwater of the Diamante River, imparts distinct characteristics to the wine. The alluvial soils, enriched with coarse gravel, sandy-loam textures, and layers of limestone and gypsum, lie on Pleistocene fluvial terraces that enhance the diversity and complexity of our vineyard. The 3,333 vines per hectare are trained using a bilateral cordon system, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight and air circulation, which maximizes grape quality.
The Winemaking Process: From Vine to Bottle
The journey of crafting our Malbec begins with the meticulous selection and destemming of grapes, which are then placed in stainless steel tanks and oak foudres. A cold pre-fermentation maceration at 10°C for four days helps extract color and flavor. Spontaneous fermentation starts with wild yeasts, and selected yeasts are introduced on the third day to encourage consistency. Throughout the fermentation process, temperatures are carefully managed between 24°C and 28°C, with manual cap management to ensure gentle extraction. After approximately 28 days of maceration, the wine is transferred to French and American oak barrels—15% of which are first-use barrels—for a 12-month aging period. Finally, the wine spends an additional year aging in the bottle before it is deemed ready for release. The harvest took place in the first week of April, capturing the perfect moment when the grapes reached their peak maturity.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
To enjoy our 2019 Malbec Reserva at its best, we recommend serving it at a temperature between 15 and 18ºC (59-64ºF). This wine pairs exquisitely with grilled meats such as ribeye steak or lamb chops, highlighting their hearty flavors with its deep fruit and oak nuances. It also enhances the flavors of a creamy mushroom risotto or savory roasted vegetables, thanks to its balanced acidity. For dessert, pair it with dark chocolate for a harmonious, indulgent finish.
We take pride in every bottle of our 2019 Malbec Reserva, a testament to the dedication and expertise that goes into every step of our winemaking process. We hope you find as much joy in savoring this wine as we did in crafting it.
Warm regards,
The Wine Cowboy
