{"id":4591,"date":"2020-06-08T12:09:11","date_gmt":"2020-06-08T15:09:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/domainebousquet.com\/?p=4591"},"modified":"2020-06-09T13:10:21","modified_gmt":"2020-06-09T16:10:21","slug":"travel-through-argentinas-uco-valley-wine-region-bottle-by-bottle-by-elizabeth-brownfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/domainebousquet.com\/en\/travel-through-argentinas-uco-valley-wine-region-bottle-by-bottle-by-elizabeth-brownfield\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Through Argentina\u2019s Uco Valley Wine Region, Bottle By Bottle – By Elizabeth Brownfield"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"Mendoza and Malbec. Those are the two words that first come to mind when thinking about wines from Argentina. But just about an hour south of the city of Mendoza \u2014 the winemaking capital of the Mendoza region \u2014 lies the Uco Valley, which has earned its reputation as the premier appellation of the province in just a few short decades. In fact when it comes to winemaking, many experts say Uco Valley is to Argentina what Napa is to the States.<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Valle de Uco\u2019s\u00a0<\/em>winemaking pioneers \u2014 Catena, Domaine Bousquet, Piedra Negra and Salentein \u2014 were told they were crazy when they began planting grapes in the barren and remote region in the late 1990s. Winemakers had discounted Uco Valley because the temperatures were colder, the land drier, altitudes higher, and water more scarce than in Mendoza\u2019s existing wine regions. From a logistical standpoint, the virgin desert landscape was so undeveloped, it lacked basic infrastructure \u2014 even roads. But Uco\u2019s early visionaries had faith that what some considered to be disqualifying factors could actually be used to their advantage, and started planting and investing. Soon after, in the early 2000s, Clos de los Siete and Zuccardi followed suit.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the bone-dry climate and high elevations at the foot of the Andes mountains (ranging between 2,800 and 5,300 feet above sea level) are the two characteristics of the region that have enabled vintners in this young region to produce such exceptional wines ever since. And while Malbec is still the predominant variety grown to produce the velvety, fruit-forward, sweetly floral wine the region is best known for, Uco Valley has much to offer beyond Mendoza\u2019s signature grape. The region is finding tremendous success with a wide range of both Old and New World grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, Torront\u00e9s (Argentina\u2019s best-known white grape), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Pinot Gris.<\/p>\n

Read on for some of Uco Valley\u2019s best bottles from its three major appellations: Tupungato, Tunuy\u00e1n, and San Carlos. Sip and savor them from home until you\u2019re able to hop a flight to Argentina to visit these high-altitude\u00a0bodegas\u00a0<\/em>at the foothills of the captivating Andes for yourself.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\"Domaine<\/div>
\n

DOMAINE BOU<\/small><\/strong>SQUET<\/small><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Domaine Bousquet 2017 Reserve Malbec, $18<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This vintage from Domaine Bousquet, a leader in Argentina\u2019s organic wine scene, is a testament to how Malbecs have evolved in the Mendoza region over the past few decades. Using fruit grown at an elevation of 4,000 feet, this elegant blend of 85% Malbec with 5% each Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah is aged for 10 months in French Oak. Medium-bodied with silky tannins, it has a nose of blackberries with hints of chocolate and earthy mushrooms, notes of plum, cinnamon, and violet, and a robust finish.<\/p>\n


\nRuby-red in color, with aromas of black current, pepper, and smoke, this hearty Cab is aged in French and American oak casks. With flavors of red and black fruit and spice with good structure, elegant tannins, and a long, lush finish.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Salentein Reserve 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sacrum 2017 Garnacha, $19<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This singular Garnacha is hand-harvested from a single vineyard in the Los Chacayes G.I., within the appellation of Tunuy\u00e1n. It\u2019s aged half in concrete egg, half in French oak. A stunning ruby color, it has a nose of red fruits, black pepper, and woody herbs, mid-palate of warm spices, and a fresh and vibrant cherry-berry finish.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Piedra Negra 2018 L\u2019 Esprit de Chacayes, $60<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Piedra Negra\u2019s award-winning Chacayes label has earned it icon status in the wine world. Esteemed fourth-generation winemaker Fran\u00e7ois Lurton \u2014 who also helms wineries in Chile and Spain, as well as his home country of France \u2014 blends 70% old selections of intense Argentine Malbec with 30% C\u00f4t vines from France to add freshness, acidity, and tension. A deep cherry red, the C\u00f4t shines on the nose with violet and red fruit. Soft tannins and a natural acidity from the\u00a0terroir<\/em>\u00a0capture the unique spirit of Chacayes.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Salentein Primum 2016 Malbec, $65<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Primum \u2014 Bodegas Salentein\u2019s most prestigious wine \u2014 isn\u2019t produced every year. It\u2019s bottled only to capture harvests of exceptional quality. 2016 was one of those banner years, so the grapes were hand-harvested and aged in French oak for 18 months to yield an elegant and memorable Malbec that\u2019s deep purplish-black in color with aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, and subtle notes of tobacco and vanilla. With good structure and acidity, sweet tannins, and a long, lovely finish.<\/p>\n

WHITES<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Salentein 2017 Portillo Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc, $11<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Growing Sauvignon Blanc in the Uco Valley was an experiment, even for the distinguished enology team at Salentein. After all, the uber-popular crisp green grape is most commonly grown in cool climates in France and New Zealand. But that didn\u2019t dissuade the pioneers at Salentein from boldly forging ahead, says Chief Winemaker, Jos\u00e9 Galante: \u201cWe were learning how to grow it in a climate that is continental desert with elevation. There was no rule book.\u201d<\/p>\n

The result? A crowd-pleasing wine with aromas of grass, grapefruit, and peach that\u2019s light and refreshing in the mouth, with an assertive acidity that makes it perfect for summer sipping \u2014 especially at the price of just $11 a bottle.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Domaine<\/div>
\n

DOMAINE BOUSQUET<\/small><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Domaine Bousquet 2018 Premium Chardonnay-Torront\u00e9s, $13<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Fresh, fruity, and with a good acidity, this easy-drinking unoaked blend is made of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Torrontes. Pale greenish-yellow in color, it showcases delicate florals and lush tropical fruits like mango and pineapple on the nose. Medium-bodied with a fruity palate, and very food-friendly.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Piedra Negra 2017 Gran Lurton Blanco, $25<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Every year, this blend of complementary white grapes is tweaked and perfected according to the harvest. In 2017, the magic formula was 70% Tockaij, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, and 7% each Viognier and Chardonnay. With zesty citrus and green apple on the nose, subtle hints of hazelnut and vanilla, and balanced oak, it\u2019s been called \u201cone of the best whites in Argentina.\u201d<\/p>\n

ROS\u00c9S<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Piedra Negra Alta Colecci\u00f3n 2017 Pinot Gris Rosado, $13<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Fans of Proven\u00e7al-style ros\u00e9 will love this pale pink 100% Pinot Gris from Piedra Negra \u2014 the first wine producer in Argentina to plant this grape. It opens with aromas of citrus and peach, with a good acidity, bright, citrusy palate, and a summery strawberries-and-cream finish.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>
\n

\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"DomaineDomaine Bousquet Brut Ros\u00e9 Traditional Method, $18<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This M\u00e9thode Traditionelle sparkling ros\u00e9 is comprised of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay grown organically at an altitude of 4,000 feet. It receives a secondary fermentation in bottle and 6 months over lees. Light salmon in color with delicate bubbles, this medium-bodied ros\u00e9 boasts aromas of cherry and raspberry and citrus notes, with balanced acidity and persistent fruity finish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Elizabeth<\/a><\/p>\n