Named After the Three Winds That Shape Mendoza's ClimateEurope's Best-Selling Argentine Wine, 2013
Malbec was brought to Mendoza by a French agronomist in 1868, who saw potential in the region's high-altitude, sun-drenched terroir the grape never quite found back in Bordeaux. Mendoza now produces over 70% of Argentina's wine.
Tasting Profile
Fruit
Spice
Tannin
Oak
Black CherryBlackberryBlueberrySpicePlum
Pairs Well With
Steak
The classic Malbec match
Braised Short Ribs
Rich enough to match
Grilled Meats
Built for the asado
Hard Cheese
Tannin cuts through fat
At a Glance
Origin
Mendoza, Argentina
Winery
Est. 1996, 1,500+ hectares
Grape
100% Malbec, introduced 1868
Climate
Shaped by three distinct winds
ABV
13.5%
Questions
Why is the wine named for winds?
Three distinct winds shape Mendoza's vineyards: the cold Polar from the south, the warming Zonda descending from the Andes, and the Sudestada bringing freshness from the Atlantic — together they give the region its distinctive climate for growing Malbec.
How did Malbec become Argentina's signature grape?
It originated in Bordeaux, France, but was brought to Mendoza by a French agronomist in 1868. The region's high altitude and abundant sunshine suited the variety far better than its temperamental homeland climate, and it's now considered Argentina's calling card.
What does "lightly oaked" mean here?
Only a portion of the wine ages in French and American oak for several months, just enough to add structure and spice while letting the ripe, dark fruit character stay the main focus.
