Page 55 - GV2020 Portfolio Master

Alma Negra
Founded by Ernesto Catena, a
fourth-generation winemaker of
Italian descent, Ernesto wanted
to create a wine about which
little was known concerning the
composition or technical details,
so that the wine was judged
solely on how the taster
perceived it. When the line was
MENDOZA launched in 2006, the wines were
named Misterio, and the mask on
The primary Argentine wine region of Mendoza is one of the more intense grape growing the label was a symbol for a
climates in the world. The key to growing seriously high quality grapes this close to the equator is hidden identity or mystery.
altitude - the higher the vineyard, the cooler the nights, which has a beneficial effect on acidity
and color. Mendoza lies on a high flat plain next to the Andes Mountains, whose peaks act as a
rain shadow; annual rainfall is only about 8.9 inches, characterizing Mendoza as a desert.
Fortunately, there is ample snowmelt from the Andes Mountains which is funneled into a vast
network of irrigation channels — a system originally designed by the Incas. Soils are alluvial in
nature (river deposited) containing sand, clay, and a layer of gneiss pebbles; these traits make for Kaiken
very well-drained, low nutrient soils. All of this means that Mendoza winemakers have a blank Aurelio Montes established
slate to work with. It’s very flat, dry, sunny, and an almost pest-free environment in which to Kaiken after falling in love with
grow wine grapes, allowing viticulturists to have near-complete control over water management. Argentina’s terrior-driven wines.
Kaiken are a distinctive breed of
Mendoza encompasses two important sub-regions, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley. Many wines geese that crisscross above the
bearing the Mendoza appellation are blends of these two subregions and the greater Mendoza Andes across Chile and
area. Argentina. In emulation of its
namesake, the Kaiken brand
reflects the best of both sides of
the Andes. Today, the
combination of Chilean
winemakers and phenomenal
Alma Negra vineyardbrands.com estate locations produce
exceptional Malbec and Cabernet
Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé Mendoza NV $203.90 90 WA Sauvignon.

Alma Negra Red Blend Uco Valley M 2015 $203.90 90 WS

Kaiken guarachiwinepartners.com Pulenta Estate
The Pulenta family has been
Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Reserve 2017 $131.90 making wine in Argentina since
1912, briefly after they arrived
Kaiken Malbec Mendoza Reserve 2018 $131.90 from Italy. The third generation,
Kaiken Malbec Mendoza Ultra 2018 $215.90 93 JS brothers Hugo and Eduardo,
started Pulenta Estate in 2002 to
produce small lots of exceptional
wines from two pioneering
vineyards their father Antonio
planted in the early 80’s and
Pulenta Estate paulhobbswines.com 90’s, one in Alto Agrelo in Luján
Pulenta Malbec Rosé Mendoza La Flor 2018 $138.00 de Cuyo and the other in Los
Árboles, Valle de Uco. All wines
are 100% estate farmed with
Pulenta Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza La Flor 2017 $150.00 92 JS specific vineyard management for
Pulenta Malbec Mendoza La Flor 2018 $150.00 90 TA each line. Harvesting decisions at
Pulenta seek ripeness with no
traces of greenness, and right
Pulenta Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza Estate 2018 $150.00 before any jammy notes develop,
Pulenta Chardonnay Mendoza Estate 2018 $150.00 90 JS, 90 TA with a focus on balance and
elegance.
Pulenta Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza Estate 2016 $258.00 94 JS
Pulenta Malbec Mendoza Estate 2015 $258.00
Pulenta Cabernet Franc Agrelo Estate Gran 2014 (6pk) $222.00 94 WA. 93 JS
Pulenta Corte Agrelo Estate Gran 2013 (6pk) $222.00 93 JS, 92 WE
Pulenta Malbec Agrelo Estate Gran 2015 (6pk) $222.00 96 TA, 94 WA Tahuan
Founded by fourth generation
winemaker Ernesto Catena,
Tahuan produces 100% varietal
wines from selected old vineyards
at the foothills of the Andes
Tahuan vineyardbrands.com Mountains. After fermenting in
Tahuan Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2016 $155.90 90 WS small tanks, they are aged in
American and French oak barrels
Tahuan Malbec Mendoza 2017 $155.90 for no less than eight months.

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