PRODUCER
We came to this property, owned by Patricio Reich, through two different routes. The first, not surprisingly in Argentina, was through Alberto Antonini, who is the consultant winemaker here. Alberto is excited by the commitment to quality and excellence that Patricio has shown since the outset, something that is displayed in the wines. The second, more surprisingly, was through Marilisa Allegrini. After visiting Patricio’s property, she was so enamoured with Mendoza and the potential it has, that she decided to produce an Amarone style wine called Enamore at Renacer. With two such compelling links, we decided to import the wines. The winery itself was built in 2004 and is located in Perdriel, in Luján de Cuyo, in the foothills of the Andes.
VARIETIES
45% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Bonarda, 5% Cabernet Franc
VINEYARDS
The fruit for this wine comes from vineyards in the Uco Valley, which lie at 1,100 metres above sea level on poor soils, and in Luján de Cujo, at 980 metres above sea level on alluvial soils. The vines have an average age of over 50 years and yields are less than eight tonnes per hectare. Harvest is always done by hand with a double selection of both clusters and berries.
VINTAGE
2015 was noted by the cool summer, early autumn rains and generally low alcohols and high acidities in the main red varieties. Because of the warm winter, the harvest was between 10 and 15 days earlier than usual.
VINIFICATION
After harvest, the grapes were placed on drying racks outside the winery, where the naturally windy conditions dried the berries and concentrated the flavours and sugars. The grapes lost approximately 30% of their weight in this process, which is the same method used for Amarone. A cold, pre-fermentation maceration took place for 12 days at a temperature of 10°C. Fermentation took place with native yeasts over a period of 14-16 days in stainless steel tanks, at temperatures between 25-27°C. Malolactic fermentation was then carried out in French oak barriques. The wine was aged for 12 months in new French oak.
TASTING NOTES
Deep and intense ruby red with purple shades, this wine has plenty to offer. Its complex nose is thanks to aromas of violet, honey, fig, cherry and ripe plum that combine with black pepper and aromatic herbs. Some time in the glass allows the wine to develop hints of vanilla and leather. A creamy texture is supported by ripe, firm tannins that lead to a lengthy finish.
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