Eclat Extra Brut 2017

Nestled in Luján de Cuyo, in the heart of Mendoza, Caelum's 2017 Éclat Extra Brut cuvée expresses the purity of a terroir at 1,000 meters above sea level. The estate's 23 hectares lie on clay-limestone soils which, combined with a semi-arid climate tempered by cool nights, provide ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The generous sunshine and marked temperature range promote the concentration and natural balance of the grapes, resulting in a sparkling wine vibrant with energy and finesse.

Vinification is based on whole-bunch pressing, carried out separately for each grape variety. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats before the wine rests on its lees for several months. It is then blended and bottled with the tirage liqueur to initiate the secondary fermentation. This essential step gives it its natural effervescence. The prolonged aging of thirty-six months on its lees enriches the texture and develops a refined aromatic complexity. Finally, disgorging and a dosage of six grams per liter complete the balance of this exceptional brut.

This wine reveals notes of brioche , lemon , green apple , white peach , white flowers , fresh almond , honey and flint . On the palate, the attack is lively and delicately creamy, supported by a fine effervescence that underlines its freshness. The balance between mineral tension and fruity roundness creates an elegant and persistent sensation, with a long, saline and subtly toasted finish, which affirms the depth and nobility of this high-altitude sparkling wine.

Although Argentina is considered the "New World," its winemaking tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the time of Spanish colonization in the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been a part of the country's culture. No wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the final years of the 20th century (in terms of viticulture and oenology, and necessarily financially), which allowed the country's wine producers to raise quality levels and successfully consolidate an international export market. Argentina has now become the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Viticulture is practiced mainly in the foothills of the Andes, and more specifically in Mendoza, where desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to give rise to aromatic and intensely perfumed wines. Some vineyards can even be planted up to 3,000 meters above sea level! The terroir here is well-suited to Argentina's adopted grape variety: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now responsible for some of Argentina's most famous wines, characterized by their brightness and intensity, with floral notes and black 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 produces a wine with a floral and tropical flavor. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentine wines are recognized worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as high-quality wines.