Rugiente 45 Merlot 2019

Located in the far south of Patagonia, the Otronia vineyard stretches along the shores of the vast Lake Musters, in the heart of the Sarmiento Desert, in the province of Chubut. Planted at a latitude close to the 45th parallel south, the vines benefit from a cold, windy, and very dry climate, with significant temperature variations that promote slow and even ripening of the grapes. The soils, composed of gravel, sand, and limestone deposits, give the Merlot a precise, fresh, and elegant expression, marked by a unique Patagonian identity.

The Merlot grapes are harvested at perfect ripeness from the coolest plots on the estate, then carefully sorted before being fully destemmed. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in tanks under strict temperature control, with gentle extractions to preserve the elegance of the fruit and the finesse of the tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, where it gains aromatic complexity and structure, while retaining the freshness and tension characteristic of this extreme southern terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruit , black plum , and cherry , complemented by floral touches of violet and spicy nuances of pepper and clove . Woody accents of vanilla and cocoa mingle with a subtle mineral structure, adding complexity and depth. On the palate, the wine is full and silky, supported by fresh acidity, fine, polished tannins, and a persistent finish, balanced between fruit, spice, and Patagonian freshness.

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.