Tannat Parcela Laborum 2023

The Laborum de Parcela cuvée comes from a parcel planted in 2003 at an altitude of 1,700 meters, on gravelly and rocky soils that promote deep rooting and low natural vigor. Produced at only 5,000 bottles per year, it precisely expresses the character of Tannat grown at high altitude. Harvesting is done manually to preserve the integrity of the berries and ensure rigorous selection upon arrival at the winery.

Vinification begins with a 3-day cold pre-fermentation maceration, and 50% of the grapes are vinified in stainless steel tanks, the other half in concrete eggs, with indigenous yeasts to preserve the identity of the terroir. Two daily pump-overs ensure controlled extraction. Malolactic fermentation and aging then take place in 225 and 500-liter oak barrels, 50% new, for 12 months before final blending.

This wine reveals notes of raspberry, wild blackberry, blueberry, cherry, smoked spices, tobacco leaves, and undergrowth. On the palate, it is structured and deep, supported by a beautiful acidity that brings vibrancy and balance, while the firm yet well-polished tannins offer a compact and silky texture. The finish is persistent and aromatic.

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 by 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 (on a viticultural and oenological level, and necessarily financially), which allowed the country's wine producers to raise quality levels and 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 primarily in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to produce aromatic and intensely flavored wines. Some vineyards can even be planted at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters! 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.