Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe elegant and balanced 2018 Gran Malbec is ripe and structured and a little marked by the élevage of 18 months in barrique and tank (and two and a half years in bottle before being released. The wine shows some dusty tannins and ripe flavors in the finish. Best After 2023
The name "Flechas de Los Andes" or "Andes arrows" refers to the 5 arrows, the symbol of the Rothschild family (symbolizing the five brothers at the origin of this dynasty of entrepreneurs). At the foot of the Andes, 120 km south of Mendoza, the Malbec variety rules as the king of this unique terroir. Flechas de los Andes is the result of an alliance between Baron Benjamin de Rothschild and Laurent Dassault, reflecting the fulfillment of their quest to find a great terroir at the base of the Andes. In the hot, dry climate of Mendoza, the Malbec vines seem to have found a special place to express themselves, in the pebble and gravel-strewn alluvial terrain at 1,100 m just at the base of the Andes cordillera. The utmost care, if not perfectionism, is given to vineyard operations in pursuit of the dual objectives of quality and environmental soundness. “French-style” viticultural work is carried out by an Argentine team that aims to obtain low yields and thus produce high quality grapes that are naturally concentrated and ripe.
Built in 2003 and operational since the April 2004 harvest, this Argentinian winery is a synthesis of the knowledge acquired from Baron Edmond de Rothschild and his partners’ experience in Bordeaux and around the world. Every harvest is handpicked, hand selected & vinified with the most modern equipment, to the highest quality standards. Out of this unique terroir, which enjoys a dry climate tempered by high altitude, and out of the owners’ passionate interest in the estate, a pure Argentinian Malbec has emerged. The Flechas vineyards now extend over more than a hundred hectares.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.