MATERVINI Malbec 'Antes Andes' - Valle de Canota, Las Heras, Mendoza 2017 Bottle 14.5%abv - VGN (los)

Description

Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and dark cherry are layered with hints of violet and a touch of spice. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Flavours of dark fruit, black pepper, and a subtle earthy note unfold, leading to a clean, lingering finish. A beautifully crafted Malbec, showcasing the purity and elegance of its high-altitude origin, perfect for immediate enjoyment or short-term aging. 14.5%abv

WINE STYLE -
FOOD PAIRINGS - Rich, flavorful dishes, beef, venison. pizza
GRAPE VARIETIES - 100% Malbec
WINEMAKING/LIFESTYLE - Organic, Sustainable / Vegan, Vegetarian
AWARD/SCORES - Decanter 95pts, Tim Atkin 94pts

*****

One of a series of very top-end, tiny production Malbecs – this one from Canota Valley – this is certainly a statement wine whose density, complexity and potential for ageing needs to be experienced. Wines like this are so impressive they almost defy description and one of the things we love about this is the apparently seamless relationship between its textural austerity and its wondrous generosity of fruit on both nose and palate. A wine amongst peers that are defining a new age of Argentine Malbec. Vegan friendly.

Founded in 2008 by exciting winemakers Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso, Matervini focuses on terroir driven wines, exploring how very different wines can be made from the same grape. From seven year old vines sourced from 5 hectares in the Canota Valley, in the Pre-Cordillera foothills of Las Heras, Mendozas. Aged in French (Boutes) oak for 15 months (40% new, 60% used), no filtration or clarification and only 2500 bottles produced. A fantastic example of what Malbec can be, awarded 95 points by Decanter.

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Alistair Cooper MW, Amanda Barnes, Dirceu Vianna Jr MW
(at London, 28 Jun 2021)
Part of Best Malbec wine: Top Argentinian bottles
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2028
Matervini is a developing project of Santiago Achával and Roberto Cipresso, that started in 2008 and focuses on showing the diversity Malbec can offer when grown in distinctive terroirs. This cuvée is the result of trials with planting on older areas of non-alluvial soils at 1,000-1,200m altitude. Alistair Cooper MW: Herbal, rosemary, thyme and prune nose. Rich, opulent style but still has core of acidity. concentrated blue pastille fruit on the long finish. Attractive and full of personality. Amanda Barnes: A distinctive high-altitude mountain identity through its wild herb and jarilla nose. Lively balsamic notes and ripe red fruit on the finish. A really interesting wine with a distinctive personality. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Fragrant, inviting, complex aromas of ripe dark fruits, sweet spices and wild herbs. Ripe juicy fruit palate with lovely savoury complexity. Full of personality.