Patagonia Select Merlot

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 3 days at low temperature before alcoholic fermentation took hold, then 7 day fermentation and finally 10 day post fermentation maceration. MLF – 100% carried out, spontaneously in stainless steel. Ageing - 30% of the wine was stored in new French medium toasted oak barrels for 12 months, with 70% stored in stainless steel. Clarification was by egg whites, so good for vegetarians, but not 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 accounts for as much as 15

Food Pairing:

Mushroom risotto, boeuf en croute or steak and kidney pie.

Abv:

14%

Grape Variety:

Merlot

Tasting Note:

The nose shows a compelling mix of different spice notes like anise, fresh mint and eucalyptus, with elegant notes of vanilla and cocoa matched to a balanced structure. The mouth-feel is opulent and complex, with soft tannins. A ripe fruit tone rounds out the flavour spectrum. It resonates on the palate, right through the long after taste.