Patagonia Select Malbec

Wine Producer:

Familia Schroeder

Vintage:

2003

Winemaker:

Leonardo Puppato

Winemaking:

The grapes were hand picked and sorted through a vibratory screen. Alcoholic fermentation was in stainless steel tank using selected yeasts and enzymes. Maceration was 2 days at low temperature before alcoholic fermentation took hold, then 8 day fermentation and finally 15 day post fermentation maceration. MLF – 100% carried out, spontaneous not induced. Ageing - 40% of the wine was stored in new French oak barrels for 12 months, with the balance stored in stainless steel. Clarification was by egg whites, so good for veggies, bad for vegans.

Wine Style:

Red

Winery Info:

Schroeder’s winery is located outside Neuquen, a sizeable, rambling provincial town about an hour’s flight south of Buenos Aires by plane on the northern fringes of the brown desert of Patagonia. Snow melt water from the Andes, the river Neuquen and man-made canals make the area an oasis of fruit cultivation. Winemaking takes place in an airy and light new winery, dating from 2001, that is energy efficient due to its hillside location and the use of gravity in the wine process. Roberto Schroeder manages the family’s agricultural interests, while winemaker Leonardo Puppato is the winemaker and king of the vineyards. Exports make up 55% of their production and they export to 17 countries.

Vineyard information:

An initial 140 hectares were planted in 2001 with more capacity possible so vine age is increasing at a pace. Yields are approximately 7000 kilos per hectare. The soil is based on ancient bedrock 75 million years old and is poor in organic material making it relatively infertile. Patagonias high latitude (39S) means plentiful light during the growing season and the distinct rain shadow effect of the Andes makes the area very dry and sunny. Windy conditions necessitate windbreak tree planting in the vineyards but vine diseases are rare in the wellventilated conditions. All in all ideal cool climate conditions for producing healthy high quality grapes with plenty of natural acidity. Schroeders commitment to quality means that green harvesting plays an important role in the vineyards, to assist concentration of flavours and ripening.

Food Pairing:

Flavourful meat dishes make the most of this Malbecs intensity and deeply fruited character with spice, and caramel scents. We recommend grilled sirloin of beef, Lancashire hot pot or a good beef stew.

Abv:

14%

Grape Variety:

Malbec

Tasting Note:

This red wine offers an intense dark purplish red that shows maturity. A Lovely nose evokes ripe red fruit aromas such as currants, plums and sour berries, followed by some spicy scents. The oak is well integrated, bringing tasty vanilla, coffee and caramel notes. The mouth-feel is elegant and balanced, with sweet tannins in harmony, that sail into a long finish.