This Cabernet-dominated wine has a deep purple-ruby colour. On the nose one discovers prune, cassis and cherry aromas, as well as the typical spice, vanilla and dark chocolate. This fine wine is voluminous, wonderfully structured, and is equipped with strong, durable tannins. It boasts a long and intense finish.

Attributes

Origin:	Argentina / Mendoza
Site / vineyard:	auf 1000 m.ü.M.
Grape variety:	Cabernet Sauvignon
Label:	Vegan
Ripening potential:	3 to 10 years after harvest
Drinking temperature:	16 to 18 °C
Vinification:	fully destemmed, fermentation in steel tank, Pumping over
Harvest:	hand-picking
Maturation:	in partly new and used barriques/ Pièces
Bottling:	filtration
Maturation duration:	10 months
Volume:	14.5 %
Note:	Contains sulphites

Producer

Susana Balbo Wines

The mighty Aconcagua watches over the plain of Mendoza, 1000 kilometres from Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires. A barren, semi-arid land where Jesuits and Franciscans, after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, discovered favourable natural conditions for viticulture.

At 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level lies this oldest and most important wine region of the country. The village of Agrelo, near Luján de Cuyo, is home to the bodega founded by Susana Balbo in 1999. She is a woman with an impressive career. In 1981, she became the first woman in Argentina to successfully complete her degree in œnology. In 2015, Drinks Business magazine named her “Woman of the Year”. In 2018, she was recognised as one of the ten most influential women in the international wine trade. She also presided over the national marketing organisation Wines of Argentina for several years.

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

The backbone of Bordeaux

The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the Bordeaux its backbone, yielding deep violet wines with powerful tannins and endless ripening potential. It is the top dog in Médoc, and is placed in all five premier crus of Bordelais. When young, it often appears strict and unapproachable, but with advancing years, its tannins round off. It is wonderfully velvety, and yet always maintains its freshness. Typical flavours include cassis, graphite and cedar. Wherever Cabernet Sauvignon is found, Merlot is not far away. It complements the robust structure of Cabernet with softness, fruit and richness. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most-exported vine in the world. It delivers persuasive qualities in Italy as an ingredient of the Super Tuscan, or as the flagship variety from California. There, it is lovingly titled “Cab Sauv”. Meat fans should be aware that it fantastically accompanies a grilled entrecôte. The family tree of Cabernet Sauvignon is surprising: its parents are Cabernet Franc and the white Sauvignon blanc.

Region

Mendoza

Mendoza: Malbec and more

Whenever someone talks about Argentinian wine, they generally mean wines from Mendoza. Roughly 60 percent of all Argentine wines are produced around the metropolis of the same name. In particular, Malbec, a red wine variety originating from southwestern France, has found a new home here, providing focused, well-structured wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay also thrive. The best wines result from high elevations, in the foothills of the Andes

Country

Argentina

Where nostalgia tangoes with innovation

Snow-covered Andean peaks and salt lakes, deserts, rugged mountain villages, elegant colonial cities, vibrant metropolises, red canyons and green valleys – Argentinian has them all. And, of course, excellent wine. Argentina is named after the Latin word for silver, “Argentum,” because of the treasures expected to be found there. Among others, homesick colonialists and Catholic priests had a hand in cultivating these liquid treasures, and today there are approximately 220,000 hectares of vineyards.

Rating

Parker 92 Points