Altepe
The vintage
The season started out a little late. We had few nights of frost during spring, and they did not damage the buds. Spring was mostly characterized by wet and cold conditions, which led to delayed growth. Overall, flowering and fruit set were good. During the summer, especially in January and February, temperatures were uncommonly lower than average and without the usual heatwaves that characterize the Mendoza climate. The ripeness period was marked by rainfalls: intermittent showers alternating with sunny days characterized this final period before harvesting. These conditions during maturity required the winegrowers to monitor the development of mildew or botrytis, in order to correctly anticipate the decision to harvest.
Location
Nestled at the foothills of the snowcapped Andes mountains, Mendoza is known as the best wine producing region in Argentina. With vines planted on high plateaux between 800 and 1500m above sea level, Mendoza's vineyards are known as the highest in the world.
Terroir
The Mendoza region is located in a particularly arid, seismic zone. The vegetation has adapted, as evidenced by the Altepe shrub, a robust plant that grows on the banks of dry rivers in the foothills of the Andes from the north to the south of the province. Thanks to the irrigation canals that channel water from the rivers fed by melting snow from the Andes Cordillera, the inhabitants have been able to transform the valley into a veritable oasis that is home to one of the world's most beautiful vineyards. Malbec has adapted perfectly to these conditions, producing tannic, spicy, richly-coloured wines.
Winemaking
Grapes are harvested by hand, carefully selected, destemmed and crushed before being placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation. A traditional winemaking process ensues with pump-over and delestage. Total maceration time lasts from 12 to 15 days.
Altepe is aged in tanks in order to preserve its fruit-driven style and allow the varietal characteristic of the Malbec to come through.
Tasting
The robe is intense with a deep red colour.
The nose reveals aromas of plum and red fruit. On the palate, the wine is round and fresh with remarkable balance between tannins, acidity and alcohol. Long, delicate finish.
Alcohol content
14.5
Grapes
Malbec
: 100 %