Ello Malbec di Amfora 2020
Country
Argentina
Region
Mendoza
Producer
Finca Sophenia
Grape(s)
Malbec (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Spicy
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Full bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Not applicable
Alcohol Content
14.5%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
In conversion-organic
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
The biggest and most important of Argentina`s wine regions, Mendoza includes a wide variety of altitudes and micro-climates to allow a huge range of wine styles. The main vineyard area is at the base of the Andes in the valley of the Mendoza River, with vineyards ranging from 500-1500 metres above sea level. Many early winemakers were of Italian origin and brought with them their native Barbera, Bonarda and Sangiovese. However, it is Malbec, originally from Bordeaux and the southwest of France, that has established the most successful presence in Mendoza.
Producer
The Pioneer estate winery is based in Gualtallary one of the highest districts in the Uco Valley, Mendoza at around 1200m above sea level. It was founded by Roberto Luka in 1997, naming it after his partner’s daughter Sophia and his daughter Eugenia. The sheer height means the vineyards experience abundant sun during the day and much cooler nights. This, combined with sandy and stony soils, ensures a long growing season for ripe fruit and a refreshing acidity for expressive and elegant wines that stand out. They are certified sustainable and have now been confirmed organic which will mean wines from 2023 onwards are certified.
Tasting Notes
A limited edition wine, with only 400 bottles made per year. The Ello Malbec is slowly fermented using the grapes ambient yeasts in 500 litre Italian clay amphora, with gives the purest expression of the variety, then aged in old French oak barrels for 12 months. The use of old oak and amphora impart texture on the wine without impacting the flavour but creating an elegant texture on the palate. The resulting wine is an intense ruby in colour with a nose of violets, thyme and black cherries. The palate has a round mouthfeel with velvety smooth tannins and a powerful long spicy finish.
Food
Perfect with fine cuts of meat such as sirloin, fillet or skirt steak.
