Altosur Malbec 2023
Country
Argentina
Region
Mendoza
Producer
Finca Sophenia
Grape(s)
Malbec (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Juicy
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Not applicable
Alcohol Content
14%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
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
Matured for only 3 to 4 months in oak, this wine has an attractive red colour with violet hues and aromas of intense ripe fruit such as cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and fresh plums, combined with spicy and floral hints. On the palate, the intense and concentrated fruits are coated by smooth tannins making each sip more tantalising. Gualtallary is famed for its distinctive and complex wines; the high altitude allows the grapes to ripen slowly to develop intense flavours while retaining fresh acidity and producing a lighter more elegant style Malbec. Elegant, complex and long lasting!
Food
BBQ meats both in spicy and sweet sauces and game dishes like venison, hare and wild boar.
Media
Decanter awarded 91 points in July 2023. Wine Spectator awarded 90 points.
