Beso de Dante 2019

Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the Luca Wines vineyard lies in the upper Uco Valley, in the heart of the Mendoza province of Argentina. The Beso de Dante vineyards are planted at high altitude on hillsides with well-drained, alluvial, stony soils, which impart freshness and structure to the wine. This high-altitude terroir, characterized by significant temperature variations and abundant sunshine, promotes a slow ripening of the grapes while preserving their balance. The dry climate and the Andean wind naturally limit vine diseases.

The grapes for Luca Wines' 2019 Beso de Dante are hand-harvested from high-altitude vineyards and then sorted before fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit and the tannic structure. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for approximately 14 months, with a significant proportion of new oak, to impart aromatic complexity, a silky texture, and aging potential, while respecting the Argentinian character of the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that compose this blend.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , blackberry , and plum , enhanced by hints of violet and peony . Spicy nuances of black pepper , clove , and licorice intertwine with elegant oak, marked by cedar , vanilla , and a touch of cocoa . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, supported by firm yet polished tannins, well-integrated freshness, and a long, flavorful finish.

Although Argentina is often considered part of the "New World," its winemaking tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been an integral part of the country's culture. No other wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the latter years of the 20th century (in viticulture, oenology, and, of course, finance), which allowed the country's winemakers to raise quality levels and successfully establish an international export market. Argentina is now the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Viticulture is practiced primarily in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where the desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to create aromatic and intensely flavorful wines. Some vineyards are even planted at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters! The terroir here is well-suited to the grape variety adopted by Argentina: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now the source of some of Argentina's most famous wines, characterized by their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and dark fruit flavors. Other red varieties produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir. Among white wines, the emblematic grape of the Argentine wine region is Torrontés, which yields a wine with a floral and tropical taste. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentine wines are recognized worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as being of high quality.