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Origin:
Altamira, San Carlos (Valle de Uco) Mendoza, Argentina
Grape:
96% Malbec, 4% Merlot
ABV:
14.5%
Producer Profile
In 1981 Susana received her degree in enology, and became the first woman in Argentina to do so. Her career started in Cafayate, Salta province at Michel Torino winery where she was in charge of developing and stylizing the Torrontes varietal. Afterwards she worked at many well-regarded wineries such as Martins and Catena Zapata. In 2012, she was recognized as one of the "Most influental women wine-makers" by The Drink Business magazine. Later, in 2015, she was awarded by the same magazine as "Woman of the year". Recently in 2018, the magazine recognized her again by including her in the list of "The 10 most influental women in the wine world". Susana’s life reached its peak in 1999 with the birth of Susana Balbo Wines. She was able to achieve her lifelong dream: to have her own winery and to create her own wines. In 2011 and 2012, Susana’s son Jose and daughter Ana joined the winery to help build SBW to where it is today.
Grape
Malbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. In France, plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West France, though the grape is grown worldwide. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine varietal.
Region
Valle de Uco is a winemaking region one hour's drive southwest of Mendoza, in Argentina. Situated along the Tunuyán River, the Uco Valley is widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza, and is home to some of the country's most famous wines. The annual average temperature is 14 °C (57 °F) and altitudes range from 900–1,200 metres (3,000–3,900 ft) above sea level. The combination of high elevation, alluvial soils, irrigation sourced from the Andes Mountains, a long growing season with over 250 sunny days a year, little rain and vast temperature differences between day and night are all conducive to growing quality wine grapes. These climate and geography elements come together to provide excellent fruit ripening and concentration, developing colors, aromas, flavors and textures resulting in wines that are deep in color, intense in aromas and rich in flavors. The Uco Valley figures prominently in the Argentina Wine Route for tourist visitors.
Viticulture
Vineyard location: Finca La Delfina, Altamira (Uco Valley), Mendoza, 1,050 metres above sea level. Grapes are hand harvested.
Vinification
Fermented at 28°C (82°F) maximum with selected yeasts. In contact with the skins for 35 days. Preserved on lees with battonages. Followed by 13 months in French oak (30% new, 70% second-use).