altosur malbec

The biggest and most important of Argentina`s wine regions, Mendoza includes a
wide variety of altitudes and micro-climates to allow a huge range of wine styles. The
main vineyard area is at the base of the Andes in the valley of the Mendoza River,
with vineyards ranging from 500-1500 metres above sea level. Many early
winemakers were of Italian origin and brought with them their native Barbera,
Bonarda and Sangiovese. However, it is Malbec, originally from Bordeaux and the
southwest of France, that has established the most successful presence in Mendoza.
Producer
The Pioneer estate winery is based in Gualtallary one of the highest districts in the
Uco Valley, Mendoza at around 1200m above sea level. It was founded by Roberto
Luka in 1997, naming it after his partner’s daughter Sophia and his daughter
Eugenia. The sheer height means the vineyards experience abundant sun during the
day and much cooler nights. This, combined with sandy and stony soils, ensures a
long growing season for ripe fruit and a refreshing acidity for expressive and elegant
wines that stand out. They are certified sustainable and have now been confirmed
organic which will mean wines from 2023 onwards are certified.
Tasting Notes
Matured for only 3 to 4 months in oak, this wine has an attractive red colour with
violet hues and aromas of intense ripe fruit such as cherries, blackberries,
blueberries, and fresh plums, combined with spicy and floral hints. On the palate, the
intense and concentrated fruits are coated by smooth tannins making each sip more
tantalising. Gualtallary is famed for its distinctive and complex wines; the high altitude
allows the grapes to ripen slowly to develop intense flavours while retaining fresh
acidity and producing a lighter more elegant style Malbec. Elegant, complex and long
lasting!
Food
BBQ meats both in spicy and sweet sauces and game dishes like venison, hare and
wild boar