Altepe
The vintage
This vintage 2022 was a dry vintage with an easy going season which helped to achieve the characteristic expression of Mendoza's high altitude vineyards. In the Uco Valley area, the harvest began with Malbecs on March 21 and ended with Cabernet Sauvignon on April 7. This harvest allowed us to obtain healthy grapes with the ideal ripeness. Bud break took place on the usual dates, around October 5 for Malbec and October 8 for Cabernet Sauvignon. After flowering and fruit set produced in normal times, from November 15 to 27. Average temperatures were above historical average temperatures from September to January and slightly below in February, March and April. Regarding rainfall, they were lower than the historical averages for the vegetative period.
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 ruby colour.
The nose is very fruity, with pure aromas of berry fruits, violets and notes of blackcurrant.
On the palate, the wine is round, fresh and well balance. Displaying generous aromas of blackberry and red fruits.
Alcohol content
14.5
Grapes
Malbec
: 100 %