Argento Malbec

Argento Malbec is deep purple in color and offers powerful aromas of blackstone fruit and floral notes. Juicy flavors of plum and blackberry, with a touch of chocolate and vanilla from oak aging, lead into a long lingering finish with ripe velvety tannins. Sourced from a selection of vineyards throughout the Central and Uco Valley regions, fruit purity, vibrancy and elegance are the hallmarks of the Argento style.

Winemaking Notes

100% Malbec sourced from our high altitude vineyards (2950 - 4300 ft above sea level) throughout Alto Agrelo, Tupungato and La Consulta in Mendoza is fermented into stainless steel tanks for at 77-82°C for 10-12 days. Maturation takes place for 6 months in French (50%) and American (50%) oak prior to bottling.

Wine Production Stats

Alcohol: 13.9%
Total Acidity: 5.2g/L
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l
pH: 3.81

2009 Harvest Report

The winter of 2008 was quite mild compared to previous years; there was barely any frost or heavy rain. Although there was no snow at the foothills, snow and rain precipitation in the mountains ensured enough water for irrigation during spring and summer. Blooming started in late September in some areas, but generally happened in October. A minor late frost occurred in October slightly affected the yields in some areas. At the end of the spring there was some rain which consequently brought a cooling impact at the beginning of the summer; this allowed a good development of the canopy.

Summer was hot and dry; however there were some hail storms that caused damage especially in the East and South regions of Mendoza, and in Cafayate. Overall temperatures were high, and although there were wide diurnal variations, night temperature was comparatively higher than previous years. The weather stayed dry from December onwards, only one rainfall was recorded in February and there was no rain at all during harvest time. The high temperatures in autumn brought forward the beginning of harvest by one to two weeks. The dryness of the season allowed viticulturalists to plan picking rationally according to the conditions in each different wine region. Fermentations were exceptional due to the optimum condition of the grapes. Malbecs showed exceptional color and feeling in the mouth, being slightly longer than usual.

In general terms, the harvest was 20% lower than expected in quantity, 25% less compared to historical figures. But in regards to high-end grapes the amount picked was average. In general the 2009 vintage shows great aromatics, round tannins good concentration and excellent colour. Alcohol levels are slightly higher due to the high temperatures experienced by the berries. The present vintage can be compared to 2004, but is fair to say that 2009 wines show better structure and finesse.

90 Points

Wine Review Online
"Argento (the name is derived from the Latin word for silver) was established in the Argentine wine region of Mendoza in 1999. The value-oriented wines are fruity and varietally correct. This stainless steel fermented Malbec was aged for five months in French and American oak. Very deep purple-ruby in color, the aromatics offer blackberry and anise with minimal oak notes. The textured flavors are full with ripe berry, anise and spice notes. The wine finishes at 13.1% alcohol with plenty of fresh fruit."
- Gerald D. Boyd (2008 vintage)
- April 2010

Top Five Whites & Reds

Boston Globe - Annual Plonkapalooza
"Plum, raspberries, and licorice; dry, ripe fruit; good tannins and structure."
- Michael Meagher (2008 vintage)
- October 28, 2009

Very Highly Recommended

Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences
"Stylish, almost Gamay-like fruit, with cherries in the finish. An easy-drinking red."
- Dan Berger (2009 vintage)