Piattelli Vineyards – Malbec ‘Alto Molino’, Cafayate – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
The Piattelli Vineyards lie in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, where the century old vines are irrigated by the pure waters melting from the snow crested peaks; significant in making their wines exquisite. At Piattelli Vineyards great pride is taken in crafting wines with a sense of place, as each region has distinct terroirs and microclimates. Led by head winemaker Valeria Antolin, the wines are produced through her passionate pursuit of perfection. Their gravity fed winery in Cafayate honours their commitment to sustainable practices. Piattelli Vineyards practises sustainable farming and their Mendoza vineyards are USDA certified organic. The grapes are cultivated with arid clean air, crystal clear water and nutrient rich soil and their award winning wines are produced with wisdom, precision and care.

VINEYARD:
From high in the Andes surrounding Salta come Piattelli’s Cafayate wines, grown at an elevation of over 1,795 metres. The distinctively colourful north western Argentinian mountains are formed of many geological layers. The splendour of this area, with its pure water and extreme thermal amplitudes, is that it produces grapes bursting with flavour, making this not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the premier grape growing regions in the world. The wine is named after the high altitude vineyards, ‘Alto’ meaning high and ‘Molino’, which translates as mill, taking its name from an old grain mill which was constructed by the Jesuits in 1665 which sits at the entrance of the Piattelli vineyard in Cafayate.

WINEMAKING:
Vinified in the gravity fed winery, fermentation took place at controlled temperatures of between 24 to 28°C with selected yeasts. Pump overs and rack and returns were employed to obtain the desired levels of colour and flavour extraction. Malolactic conversion occurred naturally and when this had finished, the wine was separated from the solids and the free-run wine was stored in tanks until bottling. This wine was made in an unoaked style, preserving the purity of fruit.

TASTING NOTE:
An attractive and vibrant example of Argentinian Malbec, with its heady mix of plump, red fresh fruits and floral hints of violet, combined with sweet, firm tannins and a powerful finish.

GRAPE:
Malbec 100%.

COUNTRY:
Argentina

REGION:
Salta

SUB-REGION:
Cafayate