Patagonia, Argentina
In the middle of desert lands, the Río Negro crosses the largest valley in Argentina. The climate is ideal for growing grapes: cold winters, dry summers with bright, warm days and very cool nights, allow the slow and prolonged ripening of the grapes. This helps to achieve a harmonious relationship between the sugar content and acidity, intensified aromatics and beautiful color extraction. The frequent winds, associated with the low annual rainfall and low humidity, are very favorable conditions for sustainable viticulture without the need for chemicals. In 2001 the Del Río Elorza Family acquired a farm of 40 hectares in the Alto Valle del Río Negro. In 2004 they began to recover the almost hundred-year-old vines that had been abandoned. These were planted at high density with specially selected clones of Malbec, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
Bodega Del Río Elorza is a small wine-growing project conceived to produce high-end wines with grapes from its own estate. The emphasis lies on the cultivation of the vine and the development of avant-garde practices that allow them to take advantage of the varieties best adapted to the Patagonian terroir.
This Malbec is made in a modern style with a majority of the wine aged in concrete vessels. This wine has a deep red color with violet tones. The nose is fruity with spicy aromas. On the palate, there are concentrated notes of red fruit, blueberry, plum, and mineral notes. Ripe tannins run through the palate, showing smoothness and elegance. An outstanding example of this terrific Patagonian region’s potential.
Try it with any grilled meat dishes; stews; roasts; burgers; or, plates with roasted vegetables and grilled, hearty mushrooms.