Argentine Catalog

ARGENTINA—Alpamanta Winery (Organic)

William-Harrison Catalog at www.whimports.com http://www.alpamanta.com/

ALPAMANTA WINERY “Love to Earth”

Our premium quality wines made from our organic grown vineyard in the heart of Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza represent a commitment to respect all aspects of a healthy environment and human resources to develop at the foot of the Andes. Wine production on the estate known as Alpamanta, Finca Von Wigstein, is rooted in European bio-dynamic vineyard cultivation and new world winemaking technology. The carefully chosen land is located at 950 meters above sea level. The vineyard is operated in a truly organic fashion. This provides natural and healthy grapes that imprint the vineyard’s characteristics on the wine, making it a true expression of the region in harmony with the ecosystem. All Alpamanta wines are made out of organic grapes, and certified organic by Argencert. The manipulation of the vinification processes from harvest to bottling is kept to a minimum—minimal use of sulfites, employment of native yeasts, simple packaging, etc—by using state of the art technology and focusing on producing excellent wines.

In the 18th century the noble family of Sayn Wittgenstein cultivated huge vineyards in Moldova, at the center of one of the world's oldest and most traditional winemaking regions. Alpamanta's CEO Andrej Razumovsky and his partner and cousin Andre Hoffmann, are direct descendants of that family. One of the more notable wines of the Côte de Provence comes from Château de la Croix Bontar, owned for many generations by the family of Jérémie Delecourt, partner of Alpamanta.

In 2005 three close friends, Andréj Razumovsky from Austria, his cousin André Hoffmann from Switzerland and Jérémie Delecourt from France joined forces to establish a boutique winery in Mendoza, Argentina, in one of the New World's best suited regions for grape cultivation. Their mission was to produce supreme quality wines from a single vineyard estate utilizing state-of-the-art organic/bio-dynamic methodology.



The word ‘Alpamanta’ in the local native culture means "Love to Earth." A key aspect of ancient Indian culture has always been to work and co-exist in harmony with nature and the environment. Our terroir is of undisputed integrity and our biodynamic, ecological friendly vineyard farming is the moving force of the operation.

The vineyards are trained in V.S.P. (Vertical Shooting Position) and yield 5 tons per hectare. Our vines consist of 50 % Malbec, some Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot as well as whites: 15% of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Dry, warm and sunny days together with cold nights and only 200 mm annual rainfall provide an ideal microclimate for the vines throughout all seasons of the year. Alluvial soils of limestone, mineral and poor in organic matter with excellent drainage in an area of low annual rainfall, make the ideal conditions for grape growing. Pesticides are not used at all through the cycle. An automatic irrigation system provides the plants with the right amount of humidity level to prevent an unbalanced growth, thus giving grapes an excellent quality, color and full of flavors. The harvest time is carefully chosen. This is probably the most delicate moment of the whole process. Tannins and polyphenols' maturity are tested both in the lab and in the field to later obtain a top quality wine that carries all the terroir’s characteristics. The 35 hectare vineyard is located at the Calle Cobos in Ugarteche, the southern part of Luján de Cuyo, 38 kilometers south of Mendoza city. Andrej Razumovsky, Managing Partner & CEO Austrian & Dane from Ukrainean origin has been working in senior positions for multinational companies throughout Europe, Russia and Latin America before moving to Argentina, where he got married to Ursula in 2003. Passionate about wine and emerging markets he has set up and driven the project from the very beginning. Mario Toso, Senior Agronomist & Local Project Manager Coming from one of the most traditional families in Mendoza, he has held strategic positions with some of the most important wine companies in Argentina and works together with many of the best winemakers in the world. Alvaro Espinoza, Senior Wine Maker From Chile is one of the best known enologists in South America and got an international reputation making high quality organic and biodynamic wines. He has been making the Alpamanta wines from the very beginning and has been crucial to transmit the biodynamic spirit to the whole team. Horacio Caceres, Architect Has been designing the vineyard with our landscaper and agronomist and is responsible for all construction matters applying a typical local Mendoza style to personal housing, entrance respecting all aspects of low energy consumption.



Our Vineyard team Jose Miguel Perez, better known as "Chucky", and his 6 enthusiastic workers on the field make sure that all vines, grapes are treated with special care throughout the entire year to challenge frost, hail, diseases and other potential threats. Joaquin Perez, Cellar supervisor He makes sure all steps in the vinification process are meticulously taken on a daily basis to get the desired level of balance in acidity and tannins.

ALPAMANTA ESTATE WINES Maceration started at cold temperature prior to fermentation. Once alcoholic fermentation (using exclusively native yeasts) is completed at 26ºC, a post-fermenting maceration takes place over the next 7 days, making a total of 28 tank days. Sixty percent of these two estate wines pursue fermentation in new French oak barrels, and then are aged for 9 months in the barrels. All Alpamanta wines are made out of organic grapes and manipulation of the vinification processes from harvest to bottling is kept to a minimum -low amount of sulfites, native yeasts, simple packaging, etc.- by using state of the art technology and focusing on producing excellent wines.

Alpamanta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Intense plum color, with outstanding red fruit notes, spicy with balsamic traces. Its balanced character opens on the palate revealing a good body of fruit flavors and texture, with a structure of mature tannins. Very subtle earth/mineral/truffle flavors.

Alpamanta Estate Malbec Intensely deep violet, this Malbec shows mature black and red fruit aromas and flavors with a touch of spice. Smooth on the palate, it is very balanced, with well-integrated oak and tannins. An impressive show of ripe fruit, sweet tannins and elegant body.

ALPAMANTA RESERVA This wine sees fermentation in new French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep red with plum tinges. Pervasive black fruit, plums and fine cedar wood aromas, complex with character. Medium bodied in the mouth, round, rich texture, balanced and elegant.



ALPAMANTA NATAL CHARDONNAY From the Alto Agrelo vineyard in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, this is made from 100% Chardonnay , fermented and aged in stainless steel. Bright yellow in color, it shows reserved mature fruit on the nose and palate, complex with lots of creamy, leesy texture, hints of honey and lemon, with a pleasantly fruity, fresh finish.

ALPAMANTA NATAL MALBEC Made from 100% Malbec from Alto Agrelo vineyard in Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza, this wine is done entirely in stainless steel, it shows a deep purple/red color of medium intensity, spicy plum and cherry fruit on the nose and palate, with lots of complexity from spice, earthy minerality, truffle/dried porcini elements in addition to the supple fruit and integrated tannins. Good length, with plenty of fruit, complex earth and mineral notes, firm yet smooth tannins.

ALPAMANTA NATAL CABERNET

This Cabernet is done entirely in stainless steel and is composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvigon, 25% Syrah and 18% Malbec, all from the Alto Agrelo Vineyard in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, at 950 meters elevation. The hand-picked grapes yield a wine that is moderately colored, with fresh red and black fruit aromas and flavors, a hint of eucalyptus, game , spice, balsamic, and earthy dried wild mushroom. Very nice balance, this blend has good length and well-integrated tannins.

REVIEWS: Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2007-Wine Advocate’Bargains Priced under $25’ A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina Wine Advocate # 184 Aug 2009 The 2007 Estate Malbec was produced from organically grown grapes. For the past year, the estate has been farming biodynamically. The wine was fermented with native yeasts and raised in 60% new French oak and 40% in tank. Purple in color, the nose reveal earth notes, spice box, and black cherry. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied with some elegance and tasty flavors but could use more depth and concentration. Drink it over the next 6 years.-Jay Miller, Wine Advocate Alpamanta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007-Bronze Medal at AWA 2010 At the yearly Argentina Wine Awards event this wine won its first medal in the category of Cabernet. 01/03/2010 Stephen Tanzer- 2 wines selected in annual Argentina tasting Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2008- 89 points; Bright medium ruby. Dark fruits, smoked meat, nutty oak, coffee and a whiff of truffle on the slightly porty nose. Fat and sweet, with flavors of coffee, truffle and game lifted by sound acidity. Not exactly a subtle style but not cooked. The sweet, pliant fruit lingers nicely on the back end, where the tannins are supple and ripe. Alpamanta Reserva Malbec 2007- 88 (+); Full medium ruby. Complex aromas of plum, currant, smoke, coffee, chocolate and truffle. 13/01/2010

Awards at Vinandino 2009



Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2007 won the Gold Medal, Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2008 & Alpamanta Reserva Malbec 2007 and 2008 won 3 Silver medals at the International OIV competition in Argentina. 06/11/2009

Silver Medal at Mundus Vini 2009 Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2007 was awarded with the Silver Medal at the International Wine competition Mundus Vini in Germany. 15/09/2009 Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2007- Best Value Argentina This first vintage wine was selected as one of the best value wines from Argentina in the Wine Advocate in the category under $25 01/09/2009

Alpamanta Reserva Malbec 2007- best 2007 Premium Malbec from Argentina Sommelier World Champion 2007 Andreas Larsson published in "Tasted Magazine" the 12 best Premium Malbecs of Argentina and presented it at Vinexpo. Alpamanta Reserva Malbec 2007 was among these selected wines and the best youngest wine in this category. Tasting Notes: Wild dark berries, some hints of truffle and smoke, very structured and concentrated palate, dark fruit, silky tannins and layers of complex flavours, very long finish, really good potential, should age very well. 2/06/2009

Article in Berlingske Tidende- Denmark In the weekend edition on 06/06/2009 one of the most influential newspapers in Denmark praised Alpamanta for their high quality organic wines and eco-friendly vineyard. http://www.fri.dk/section/vinen-fra-andes. 07/06/2009

Bronze Medal at Argentina Wine Awards 2009 Alpamanta Reserva Malbec 2007 won the Bronze Medal at the Argentina Wine Awards, organized by Wines of Argentina in the category of Malbec US$20-50 03/03/2009

Austrian Wine producer in Argentina -AUSTRIAN TV (in German) 3 minute story on ALPAMANTA broadcasted on the second channel of Austrian TV (ORF) in the daily news program "Heute in Österreich". 01/02/2009

Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2007 scores 89 points with Stephen Tanzer At the Annual Argentina Wine Tasting Event in New York, end of November 2008 Stephen Tanzer gave the following tasting notes: Good deep ruby. Musky, wild aromas of black raspberry, truffle and game, plus hints of white fruits and marzipan; I would have picked this blind as a syrah. Pliant but firm on the palate, with a juicy quality and good spicy lift to the sweet fruit flavors. Sexy, savory wine with no jammy sweetness. 01/01/2009

Gold Medal in Malbec Al Mundo 2008 Alpamanta Reserva Malbec 2007 won the gold medal in this biannual OIV event, scoring the sixth highest points out of 296 different Malbec wines from around the world and best young Malbec vintage 2007. 01/12/2008

WILLIAM-HARRISON IMPORTS, INC, Manassas, VA 703-815-WINE (9463)

AARRGGEENNTTIINNAA ––AANNTTIISS

AANNDDEEAANN WWIINNEERRIIEESS Andean Wineries is dedicated to producing premium and reserve wines in Mendoza, Argentina, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Maipu. Their philosophy is centered on creating wines that speak of the land where they are grown and crafted. They believe that their task is to recreate and enhance the potential contained in the grapes, using the state of the art knowledge, the best materials, and the latest materials. In 2002, a new winery was built with a capacity of 3000 hectoliters in refrigerated stainless steel tanks, a cave for 160 Bordeaux style oak barrels, and a temperature controlled wine maturation and bottle storage area.

AANNTTIISS RREESSEERRVVEE ‘‘CCUUVVÉÉEE MMEENNDDOOZZAA’’ This is our flagship wine, a blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, where they put their best grapes, materials, and craftsmanship. The Merlot grapes are cultivated in Maipu 800 meters altitude, in a very rocky soil with excellent drainage and yields of about 20 hectoliters/hectare (less than two tons per acre). The Malbec grapes are grown in Luján de Cuyo, at 1050 meters altitude, on 60-90 year old vines with yields of 15 hl/ha (just over a ton an acre). Cabernet Sauvignon is also from Maipu and has yields of 25 hl/ha (just over 2 tons per acre). All of the wine is then aged for 14 months in new French oak barrel.


AANNTTIISS CCHHAARRDDOONNNNAAYY Made from 100% Chardonnay cultivated at 1050 meters altitude in the Luján de Cuyo region from 25-year old vines at a yield of 45 hl/ha (about 4.5 tons per acre). The wine is golden in color with an attractive baked apple character with citrus and peach undertones. It is medium-bodied, showing nice balance with hints of tropical fruits on the palate and on the clean, crisp finish. This well-crafted Chardonnay is a great accompaniment to poultry, fish, and cream-based pasta dishes. Best enjoyed within two or three years of the vintage.

AANNTTIISS MMAALLBBEECC RROOSSÉÉ A recent addition to the Antis line, this rich rosé made from the free-run juice of the Antis Reserve Malbec. A spectacular rosé, it is not for the meek. Think of a Bandol Rosé, this shows lots of dark fruit on the nose, a meaty mid-palate, and a long, lengthy finish, with great balancing acidity to make it crisp, clean, and refreshing.

AANNTTIISS MMAALLBBEECC Made from 92% Malbec and 8% Cabernet, the grapes are sourced in Finca

Las Compuertas and Finca Perdriel in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza at 1050 meters above sea level. Harvesting is by hand from 60-90 year old vines before chilled maceration in steel vats for 21 days. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out at 27 degrees Centigrade (81 F) in stainless tanks using native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is pursued to completion, and then 30% of the wine is matured in

new French oak barrel to enhance the structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit. Prior to release, the wine is then matured in bottle for a minimum of 3 months before shipping. “Intense ruby-purple with ripe black fruit aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with spicy black plum, hints of cocoa, spice, and leather on the palate with a finish that show the deliciously supple tannins. Drink with red meats, pastas with meat sauce, and sharp cheeses. Drink now or enjoy over the next one to four years.” Gold medal in Argentina at the Catad’Or 2003, 93 points, Silver medal Dallas, 2004, Commendation, Decanter World Wine Awards, 2004.

AANNTTIISS CCAABBEERRNNEETT SSAAUUVVIIGGNNOONN The grapes are grown for in Carrizal del Medio in Maipu, Mendoza at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level. The grapes are cold macerated for 18 days in stainless tanks before fermentation at 27 deg C using native yeasts and going for complete malolactic fermentation. The wine is then matured, 50% in new French oak barrels, the balance in tank to add complexity without excessive oak that could mask the fresh fruit flavors. The wine is then bottled and matured for 3 months before it is available for export. “The

splendid deep ruby color yields to aromas of cedar and spice. It is medium-full bodied with soft layers of plum, blackcurrant and spices. It combines the freshness of red and black fruit with good concentration and enough oak for complexity, including a touch of vanilla. Well balanced, it has elegant tannins that give a persistent finish that implores you to take another sip. Accompanies beef, rich red meat game, red-sauced pasta dishes, and sharp cheese. Supple enough to drink now or cellar for up to five years.”


AANNTTIISS MMEERRLLOOTT RREESSEERRVVEE This is the intermediate wine in the Antis (Andes) line. The wines are made by Mathias Riccettelli, who has worked with Michel Rolland in Argentina and France. The Merlot grapes are cultivated at 800 meters altitude, in a very rocky soil with excellent drainage and yields of about three tons per acre. After maceration, native yeasts ferment the wine, with partial malolactic fermentation taking place in the barrels. All of the wine is then aged for 12 months in new and 1 year old French oak barrel. “Of a striking dark ruby color, the nose shows ripe berries and vanilla, it is full-bodied with an impressive core of fruit with fleshy plum, black currant and berries plus hints of cocoa and mineral. It shows a very balanced character with supple, sweet tannins.”

AANNTTIISS MMAALLBBEECC RREESSEERRVVEE

The grapes for the Antis Malbec Reserve come from 60-90 year-old vines grown at 1050 meters (3400 feet) above sea level on the slopes of the Andes, with yields of 4500 kg/hectare. The grapes are hand-harvested in April, then macerated for 20 days at 75 F, then fermentation starts at 78 F for 7 days using native yeast. The wines undergo partial malolactic fermentation in oak barrels, with aging 12 months in small French barrels, 50% new and 50% second use. "Intense ruby-purple color and deep aromas of ripe plum and berries. In the mouth, it is full-bodied and shows a solid modern style with a complex structure which runs through the persistent finish. Shows dark currant and blackberry fruit, with cocoa

and pain grille undertones. It is very well balanced, with supple, sweet tannins."

AANNTTIISS CCAABBEERRNNEETT RREESSEERRVVEE This wine is produced from a specific parcel in the Alcuchú vineyard that has 15 year-old vines. The vines are pruned to restrict the yields to give better quality grapes. The estate is in the Maipú district at 850 meters (2800 feet) above sea level on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. Grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted before vinification using native yeasts. The wine is aged in small French barrels for 12 months, using half new barrels and half second use barrels. "Intense ruby color and very aromatic nose of dark red and black fruits. In the mouth it is full-bodied, with a solid yet elegant style, very good complexity, persistent, structured finish. There are plenty of fruit flavors: black and red plum and briary blackberry, with hints of spice and cocoa. Excellent balance. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for over 10 years."


DON MANUEL VILLEFAÑE

Don Manuel Villefañe is a winery in Maipú, Argentina dating from 2002. The name relates to the ancestor of one of the founders, Tomas Machado de Villefañe. His ancestor, Don Manuel Villefañe arrived in Argentina in 1611 from Spain and worked as a farmer, becoming a pioneer of Argentinean viticulture. He was one of the first men planting Spanish vineyards on these lands. His goal was to provide wine to the Church’s priests and later to the colonists who came to the new world to face new opportunities. The winery is located in Maipú, Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes. The soil in this area is almost entirely round stones from when the glaciers spread rock and smoothed it over miles and miles. The elevations of the vineyards range from 880 meters to 1050 meters elevation above sea level. Bodega Don Manuel Villefañe exports to over 7 different countries, the US being its largest market, with the labels of Don Manuel Villefañe, Legado (de Don Manuel Villefañe) and Parados used for the US, with William-Harrison Imports as its sole US importer. The wines have achieved Silver, Gold, and Double Gold Medals in different international contests.

DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE TORRONTÈS 100% Torrontès, La Rioja. Torrontès is considered to be the best expression of white wine in Argentina, and this wine is a perfect example. On the nose there is an expression of floral, peach, and honeysuckle aromas, not strong, just enough to create an interest. The wine shows a medium body, with a beautiful balance between fruit and acidity, fresh fruit is what comes to mind. On the finish, there are pretty floral notes blending with the fruit, and a crisp exit, lingering for a while. This is a pretty Torrontès, beautifully balanced, from the La Rioja region, where there is higher elevation: more sun, but also cooler nights to preserve the brightness and crispness of the fruit.

DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 100% Chardonnay, Maipú – Mendoza 880 meters elevation. On the nose, this pretty Chardonnay has aromas of baked apple, tropical fruits and a hint of oak. The first sip reveals ample fruit on entry, with the tropical notes and oak balancing out nicely. On the palate it is clean, with nice texture from the lees, a touch of stony minerality, and a clean finish balancing the fruit and crispness.


DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Maipú – Mendoza 880 meters elevation. It displays a full ruby color with an expressive nose of red and dark berries, violet, cassis, and a hint of cedar. In the mouth, it is full bodied with rich notes of blackcurrant and spices, extremely well balanced with supple tannins and a long finish.

DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE ESTATE MALBEC Malbec 100%, Maipú – Mendoza, 880 meters elevation. This dense red colored wine gives a full and rich fruit nose of spicy plum, wild berries, and cassis. The mouth is lush and full, with plenty of spice and dark fruit: plum, blackberry, and cassis leading to a very well balanced and long finish.

DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Cabernet Sauvignon 100%, Maipú – Mendoza 880 meters elevation. Dark ruby red in color with an intense nose of rich cassis berries, vanilla, and pepper. It is full bodied yet soft and rich, with more blackberry and chocolate flavors in the mouth. The finish is long and elegant with balanced sweet tannins.

DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE RESERVA MALBEC Malbec 100% Luján de Cuyo Mendoza 1050 meters elevation. It displays purple hints of very good intensity. It is a delicious wine with a wonderful palate. Its aromas are a mix of plums, morello cherry, truffle and, as time goes by, chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

DON MANUEL VILLAFAÑE GRAN RESERVA

Malbec 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Mendoza 90 year-old vines: Luján de Cuyo and Tupungato, 1050 meters elevation. 18 months aging in new French oak barrels before bottling. It displays intense ruby color and deep aromas of spicy ripe plum and toasted oak. In the mouth, it is full bodied with layers of ripe black fruits, cocoa and vanilla. It is very well balanced, with supple tannins and a long, velvety finish.

WILLIAM-HARRISON CATALOG ARGENTINA: LEGADO

WILLIAM-HARRISON IMPORTS, Manassas, VA tel 703.815.9463 www.whimports.com

LLEEGGAADDOO ddee DDoonn MMaannuueell VViilllleeffaaññee Founder Tomas Machado’s family ancestor Manuel de Villefañe began making wine in Argentina in the year 1611, which gives us nearly 400 years of wine making experience in the heart of South America. This impressive winery represents his ‘Legacy’ or ‘Legado’ in Spanish and we are proud to honor his memory with these fine wines of Maipú, Mendoza.

Don Manuel Villefañe arrived in Argentina in 1611 from Spain and worked as a farmer, becoming a pioneer of Argentinean viticulture. He was one of the first men planting Spanish vineyards on these lands. His goal was to provide the Church’s priests and later to the colonists who came to the new world to face new opportunities. The winery is located in Maipú, Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes. The soil in this area is almost entirely round stones from when the glaciers spread rock and smoothed it over miles and miles. The elevations of the vineyards range from 880 meters to 1050 meters elevation above sea level. Bodega Don Manuel Villefañe exports to over 7 different countries, the US being its largest market, with the labels of Don Manuel Villefañe, Legado (de Don Manuel Villefañe) and Parados used for the US, with William-Harrison Imports as its sole US importer. The wines have achieved Silver, Gold, and Double Gold Medals in different international contests.

LLEEGGAADDOO CCHHAARRDDOONNNNAAYY This wine comes from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown at 2500 feet of elevation in extremely rocky soil which means great drainage for the vines. The weather was very good before the harvest, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness, before being harvested by hand. The wine has a rich golden color leading to a bouquet of peach, apple and citrus fruits. Medium-bodied on the palate with well balanced acidity showing soft hints of pineapple and citrus flavors. A touch of vanilla from the oak leads to nice length and finish that is fresh with soft acidity. An exceptional white wine to serve with poultry, grilled seafood, cheeses or simply on its own.

WILLIAM-HARRISON CATALOG ARGENTINA: LEGADO


LLEEGGAADDOO CCAABBEERRNNEETT SSAAUUVVIIGGNNOONN This wine comes from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown at 2500 feet elevations in extremely rocky soil which means great drainage for the vines. The weather was very good before the harvest, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness, before being harvested by hand. This wine shows a full ruby color with an expressive nose of red and black berries, violet, cassis, and a hint of cedar. In the mouth it is full-bodied with rich notes of blackcurrant and spice. Extremely well-balanced with supple tannins and a long finish. Serve with any red meats and especially lamb or game…beautiful with cheeses.

LLEEGGAADDOO MMAALLBBEECC

This wine is a premier example of why Malbec has become the star of Argentina. In the Andes foothills is where the grapes are grown, at an altitude of 2500 feet. This wine is made from 100% Malbec from the rocky vineyards of the Maipú desert: a perfect setting to produce the finest red grape of Argentina. A deep red/purple color leads you to a nose of fully ripe cherry and raspberry with a hint of plummy spice. Dense and ripe berry flavors with a touch of oak give it great body with soft, sweet tannins on the palate and the long finish. Serve with meats, cheeses, grilled foods, or it is smooth enough to drink by itself or light appetizers.

LLEEGGAADDOO TTEEMMPPRRAANNIILLLLOO

With origins in Spain, this grape has found perhaps a better home in the hot desert climate of Argentina’s Mendoza wine-making region. These grapes reach an ideal level of ripeness with dry desert summer days and cool nights at an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level. Hand-harvested at the peak of ripeness, this is a very rich wine for the price. The Tempranillo shows a deep red color with black/purple tones and a exuberant nose of crushed berries, chocolate, and spice. On the palate it is fuller-bodied and complex with notes of cassis, spice and vanilla, the polished tannins give a very balanced but long finish. Serve with lamb, grilled meats or sausages, cheese, or sip while you prepare dinner.

WILLIAM-HARRISON CATALOG ARGENTINA: PARADOS


PPAARRAADDOOSS ddee DDoonn MMaannuueell VViilllleeffaaññee

Founder Tomas Machado’s family ancestor Manuel de Villefañe began making wine in Argentina in the year 1611, which gives us nearly 400 years of wine making experience in the heart of South America. This impressive winery represents his ‘Legacy’ or ‘and we are proud to honor his memory with these fine wines of Maipú, Mendoza.

PPAARRAADDOOSS CCHHAARRDDOONNNNAAYY

This lovely chardonnay comes from the rocky soil of the Uco valley at an elevation of 1200 meters. Lush fruit notes of pear and apple lead to a round feel in the mouth and the perfect amount of mineral in the finish to complete the wine. This wine sees oak barrels for only one month to add texture and roundness, but keep the clean fruit and mineral expression of the wine.

PPAARRAADDOOSS TTOORRRROONNTTÈÈSS 100% Torrontès, La Rioja. (no bottle image yet) Torrontès is considered to be the best expression of white wine in Argentina, and this wine is a perfect example. On the nose there is an expression of floral, peach, and honeysuckle aromas, not strong, just enough to create an interest. The wine shows a medium body, with a beautiful balance between fruit and acidity, fresh fruit is what comes to mind. On the finish, there are pretty floral notes blending with the fruit, and a crisp exit, lingering for a while. This is a pretty Torrontès, beautifully balanced, from the La Rioja region, where there is higher elevation: more sun, but also cooler nights to preserve the brightness and crispness of the fruit.

WILLIAM-HARRISON CATALOG ARGENTINA: PARADOS


PARADOS MALBEC ROSÉ Malbec: the backbone of the Argentine wine industry, the grape that came from Cahors near Bordeaux has found its perfect home in Argentina, and more specifically in Mendoza where these are grown. This rosé is made to be that go-to everyday wine that goes with all foods. Nice bright strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors up front, with a bit more body than your average rosé (remember this is the sturdy and powerful Malbec). Medium-bodied with lots of flavor, great texture, and a very long, satisfying finish that is crisp and full of the same fruit flavors.

PARADOS WINEMAKER’S SELECT RED This wine is comprised of a special blend of three different red wine grapes that we have found fit magnificently together. We use 40% of Sangiovese, 40% of Tempranillo and 20% of Malbec to make a wine that tastes comparable or better than much more expensive red wines. The Sangiovese adds the lovely red fruit, the Tempranillo adds earthy and rich notes, and the Malbec gives the wine its depth of fruit and body. A very impressive red wine for a norminal price.

PARADOS MALBEC

Malbec: the backbone of the Argentine wine industry, the grape that came from Cahors near Bordeaux has found its perfect home in Argentina, and more specifically in Mendoza where these are grown. This is an absolutely superb example of how good this wine can be at an affordable level. the wines dense red color gives a full and rich fruit nose of wild berries and black currant, while on the palate it is lush and full leading to a very well balanced and long finish…the true mark of a great Malbec.

PARADOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The cabernet sauvignon grapes for this wine are grown in the renowned rocky soil of Maipu, Mendoza…at the base of the Andes range. The aromas in the glass are pure cabernet fruit from the start ,with deep flavors of both red and black fruits a touch of wood from 2 months in barrel simply adds an elegant structure to the wine, While keeping the quality and power of the fruit up front. A truly spectacular Cabernet for the price.


NNEEMMEESSIIOO PPAATTAAGGOONNIIAA

The NQN Winery is located in the San Patricio del Chañar colony about fifty kilometers from the city of Neuquén, capital of the Province of Neuquén, on a wind-swept plain. The winery’s architecture combines the aesthetics of Patagonia landscape with the modern necessities of a state of the art wine-making facility. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Neuquén. There is a restaurant on site with the chef, Matías Nuñez creating dishes from the local Patagonian ingredients. The Nemesio name belongs to one of the founding families, Lucas Nemesio is the managing partner. There are irrigation canals in place to provide mountain water to the vineyards in this desolate desert. In addition to the dry climate, the barren landscape allows daily winds to blow at between 60 and 150 kilometers per hour (37-90 mph). As a result, there are poplars planted in rows to act as a wind break to both the vines and orchards that are planted in the area. William-Harrison is proud to present these exceptional wines that, because the combination of latitude, microclimate, and soil, produce wines with a different, more balanced, and well-structured character than those from other parts of Argentina.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO SSAAUUVVIIGGNNOONN BBLLAANNCC Pale yellow with hints of green, this fresh and balanced Sauvignon Blanc is a delight. Reserved aromas of citrus and melon yield to a clean entry of bright fruit and a crisp mid-palate, showing nice wet river-stone minerality. Due to the cool nights, this wine is totally refreshing: clean flavors with no one element taking over, and a lingering, citrusy, finish that continues on, due to the expressive minerality. Subdued aromatics, beautiful balance and a refreshingly crisp finish are unique to this Patagonian Sauvignon Blanc: it’s more refreshing than other New World Sauvignon Blancs and more affordable. It is delightful as an aperitif, or the perfect match for seafood, shellfish or creamy pastas, chicken or fish dishes.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO CCHHAARRDDOONNNNAAYY The micro-climate of the winery’s valley near the town of Neuquén in the Patagonia region yields rich aromas of pear, apple and white peach, with bright acidity and a lingering fruity finish.


NNEEMMEESSIIOO CCAABBEERRNNEETT SSAAUUVVIIGGNNOONN The micro-climate of the winery’s valley in the Patagonia yields a rich texture of black plums and black currants with ripe tannins and expressive minerality in the Cabernet Sauvignon. It has beautiful structure and a lengthy finish. This is a differently styled Cabernet, one well worth tasting.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO MMAALLBBEECC

The Malbec from the valley near the town of Neuquén is exceptionally rich and lush, with very expressive fruit, showing black plum, spice, and lovely texture, making this slightly oaked red a surprisingly full bodied value.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO WWIINNEEMMAAKKEERR’’SS SSEELLEECCTTIIOONN BBLLEENNDD This wonderful blend reveals the complexity of the different grape varieties and the personal preferences of our chief winemaker. A full red wine with soft, round tannins and a lingering finish. A perfect everyday red. The blend consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 10% Pinot Noir

NNEEMMEESSIIOO RREESSEERRVVEE SSAAUUVVIIGGNNOONN BBLLAANNCC ((CCOOMMIINNGG SSOOOONN))

In the inmense and wild territory of Patagonia Argentina, lies a small and fertile valley near the town of Neuquen. From our distinctive vineyard, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc is aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.The result is a delicate, clean wine with aromas of pears and grapefruit while the oak aging adds richness and depth for an elegant and lengthy finish.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO RREESSEERRVVEE CCAABBEERRNNEETT SSAAUUVVIIGGNNOONN The brightness and depth of this Cabernet Sauvignon is a direct reflection of the cool nights and warm days in the region. This wine is held in French oak for nearly a year, resulting in a wine with expressive fruit, ample texture and complexity, a red wine of the highest quality.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO RREESSEERRVVEE PPIINNOOTT NNOOIIRR In the immense and wild territory of Patagonia, Argentina, lies a small and fertile valley near the town of Neuquén. The vineyards in this valley produce a small amount of lush Pinot Noir that we hand harvest and age in French oak barrels for six months. Impressive character in this cool climate Pinot Noir.


NNEEMMEESSIIOO RREESSEERRVVEE MMAALLBBEECC A wonderfully different Malbec from those in the northern provinces of Argentina, the cooler nights and warm days in the Neuquén valley give the fruit a brightness not found in warmer climates. A superb Malbec with 12 months aging in French and American oak casks.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO PPRROOPPRRIIEETTOORR’’SS RREESSEERRVVEE RREEDD BBLLEENNDD From the cool nights and warm days of the region come superior grapes with a style exclusive to wines of Patagonia. Our blend is composed of Malbec (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) sourced from the best lots of our estate vineyards and aged in French oak for 15 months. Perhaps the finest wine we offer.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO PPRROOPPRRIIEETTOORR’’SS RREESSEERRVVEE MMAALLBBEECC

From the cool nights and warm days of the Neuquén valley comes superior grapes with a style exclusive to wines of Patagonia. This superb Malbec is sourced from the best lots in our estate vineyards and aged in French barrels for 15 months.

NNEEMMEESSIIOO CCUUVVEEEE RREESSEERRVVEE EEXXTTRRAA BBRRUUTT Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, this Sparkling wine is produced by hand in the exact method of the Champagne region of France. Very expressive nose of brioche, subtle red fruit and flowers, this shows the richness of flavor of the Pinot Noir and the elegance of the Chardonnay, with a textured mid-palate of creamy minerality, and a long, lingering Champagne-like finish. Close your eyes, and you won’t be able to tell this from some Champagnes from France. Very limited quantities each year. FFRROOMM WWIINNEE SSPPEECCTTAATTOORR,, MMAATTTT KKRRAAMMEERR::

...“To confirm this, I left the Losons in the proverbial dust and returned to what passes for the central winegrowing zone of Patagonia, strung out in a long stretch on either side of the town of Neuquén.

It’s perhaps best imagined as a string of “wine lights” in a larger sea of fruit orchards protected by sentries in the form of thousands of poplars. Wind, you soon discover, is the area’s biggest problem. “We get winds of 60 to 150 kilometers an hour [37 miles per hour to 93 mph] pretty much every day,” said Lucas Nemesio, one of the owners of the large, ultramodern, tourist-oriented (it gets as many as 15,000 visitors a year) NQN winery. “It gives the grapes unusually thick skins and keeps the berries small.”

The NQN winery, which was started in 2001, is one of three sizable wineries at one end of the 125-mile-long length of the Neuquén “oasis.” It was only when I visited its neighbor, that I discovered why these three big wineries were clustered together.”...


SonVida Malbec 2007 Mendoza 22 Dec 2009 by Jancis Robinson From $22.99

The United Nations has been in the news recently. What a sickening shame that more was not achieved in Copenhagen. I don't know to what extent the producer of my chosen wine this week, ex ITN chief foreign correspondent David Smith, now a special advisor to the UN secretary general, has been involved with the climate-change discussions, but I'm sure he is more intimately involved with the niceties of weather now than he was when working for Reuters and British tv news. He chose not to go to Copenhagen because he was tied up on work related to the tragedy in the Congo, where he has spent part of this year. 'Sometimes I put the truly urgent ahead of the planetary', he explained.

He and his Argentine-born, Cambridge-educated wife Sonia, a former CNN newscaster, are based in Washington DC, David working with the United Nations, but their debut vintage SonVida Malbec 2007 Mendoza represents the fulfilment of a dream: to make wine. They dreamt of having a vineyard and house (shown here) in her native Argentina and ended up in what they call 'the heart of Malbec country, the Valle de Uco, in a small area known as Altamira, close to the village of La Consulta. Our neighbours are Chandon, Catena, and Achaval Ferrer. Close by, sharing the valley, are O Fournier, Clos de los Siete, Finca La Celia and Lurton.

'Our terroir is defined by the Andes. We are at 1,029 m above sea level. Snow melts high in the mountains, and waters our vines. The earth is strewn with rounded pebbles, carried down the Andes over millennia, by streams and glaciers. The sun shines brightly 330 days a year. The cooling nighttime breezes help the grapes keep their freshness and mature with full flavours.'

So much so similar to the story of many other Argentine producers, but I must say I was very taken by their first wine, which seems to have real freshness as well as the velvety seduction of high-altitude Mendoza Malbec. There's no excessive heat or sweetness to this wine. It has a really appetising quality - thoroughly wholesome and with a nice savoury note on the finish.

This debut SonVida, named by (sort of) eliding their first names, is nicely restrained without being at all mean or thin, and the alcohol level is a kind 13.5%.

Their vineyard was planted in 2001 and the grapes were picked by hand between 29 Mar and 9 Apr with a yield of 40 hl/ha. Ambient yeasts only, fermentation at 26-27 °C, two pump-overs, one punch-down and 28 days' maceration. Then 12 months in French oak barrels and no filtration. The final blend included 3% of their vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon and a grand total of 3,000 bottles were made. Tiny production, I'm afraid, but there will be twice as much of the 2008 vintage.

I should warn you therefore that so far the wine is available only in the US (a change from some recent wines of the week that have apparently been available everywhere but the US). The importer is William-Harrison of Manassas, VA, and the only retailer I can currently find on wine-searcher.com is Calvert Woodley in Washington DC.

But this wine is worth looking out for. And it is fun at this holiday time of year to consider the story of the dream behind it.

Documents

Argentine Catalog