Andeluna 1300 Merlot

Producer Note

Founded in 2003, Andeluna produces premium wines of world class recognition. The vineyard covers 70 hectares in the beautiful Uco Valley near Tupungato, one of the best sub-regions of Mendoza. By night you can often see the moon illuminating the magnificent Andes Mountains nearby and the winery has been named after this stunning scene. Situated at an altitude of 1,300 metres, the vineyard produces some of the best fruit in Argentina. Winemaker, Manuel Gonzalez (previously Head Winemaker at Pulenta Estate and Chief Oenologist at Trivento) works alongside Andeluna's wine consultant Hans Vinding Diers to make outstanding wines which have propelled this producer into the global spotlight in a very short space of time. Their Pasionado range is only made in exceptional vintages and rivals some of the great wines of the world.

Vintage

2018 saw an absence of high temperatures, enabling the grapes to ripen slowly and gradually. The dry summer weather and cooler temperatures resulted in fruit of excellent health and good quality at harvest time. The volume harvested was below average for the past decade, but the resulting wines are of excellent quality, with intense colour, varietal aromatics and good levels of fine tannins. The reds display wonderful elegant texture. 

Vineyard

The grapes were grown in vineyards located in Tupungato, at over 1,300 metres above sea level. The area is characterised by its wide diurnal temperature range, which produces grapes with a great intensity of colour and a distinctive aromatic expression. The vineyards are adequately irrigated through a drip management system, which provides exactly the right amount of water needed by the plant. Canopy management in the vineyard controls yields and produces small, concentrated berries with the perfect amount of sun exposure. The vines are grown in alluvial, sandy soils and are manually harvested.

Winemaking

After hand selecting the very best bunches, the grapes were de-stemmed and underwent a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperatures. Fermentation took place with natural and selected yeasts, in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at approximately 26°C. 70% was matured in previously used French oak barrels for three months and then cellared for a further three months prior to release.

Tasting Note

Diverse aromas of ripe red fruits, strawberry and plums combine with delicate floral notes. Full bodied but smooth and balanced, this is a classic expression of Argentinian Malbec.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16°C with barbecued red meats, game or rich vegetarian dishes.

Grape

Merlot 100%