Don David Malbec Reserve 2023

Founded in 1892, El Esteco is one of the most prestigious and historic wine producers in the Cafayate region of Salta Province, Argentina. The winery was founded by two French pioneers, David Michel and Gabrielle Torino, who recognized the unique potential of this exceptional terroir. Over the years, the estate has become a symbol of excellence and winemaking tradition in Argentina.

The domain is located in the northwest of Argentina, in the Cafayate Valley, where the vineyards have the characteristic of being located at 1800 m above sea level in the heart of the Andes massif. The soil is poor in alluvium, there is strong solar exposure, low humidity and significant thermal amplitudes. The Don David Reserve cuvée from the El Esteco estate is the house's prestige cuvée, bringing together the highest quality grapes coming more specifically from the Calchaquí area. The manual harvest takes place at the end of March. After fermentation, 70% of the wine is aged in oak barrels and 30% remains in stainless steel vats for 12 months. This wine reveals notes of black berries , plum jam , currants , blackberries , blueberries , violets , dark chocolate and blond tobacco . On the palate, the wine is powerful, but without discarding finesse and elegance. It demonstrates a beautiful freshness with well-melted tannins and a spicy finish.

Although Argentina is regarded as part of the "New World", its winemaking tradition is much older than you might think, dating back to Spanish colonisation in the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been part of the country's culture. No wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the last years of the 20th century (in viticulture, winemaking and, inevitably, investment), which allowed the country's winemakers to raise quality levels and build a solid international export market. Argentina has now become the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain and the United States. Vines are grown mainly in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to produce aromatic, intensely fragrant wines. Some vineyards are even planted as high as 3,000 metres above sea level! The terroir here is well suited to the grape Argentina has made its own: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now behind some of Argentina's most famous wines, known for their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and black-fruit flavours. Other red varieties grown in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. Among the whites, the country's signature grape is Torrontés, which gives a floral, tropical-tasting wine. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentine wines are recognised worldwide for their structured reds and as wines of great quality.