Tahuan Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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Intense aromatic expression with spicy notes of raspberry jam and hints of paprika. Sweet and delicate entry, crisp acidity in harmony with round tannins, and well-integrated oak that is expressed in vanilla and chocolate flavors invite you to
continue drinking. A rich and warm complexity ends in a long, unctuous finish.
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Sometimes new, marvelous places produce strong sensations in our mind and body. Founded by Ernesto Catena, a fourth-generation winemaker of Italian descent, the story of Tahuan began when Ernesto first became enchanted by the Tahuantinsuyu, the realm of the Inca culture. Through commerce and religion, the Incas conquered most of the Andean tribes, and in their quest for union they built a network of roads connecting all the Andean micro-cultures from Quito to Mendoza. It is on one such road that Ernesto first dreamed of honoring the culture of the Tahuantinsuyu, the quechua expression for “The Found Lands United”, with Tahuan wines.
Tahuan produces 100% varietal wines from selected old vineyards at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. After fermenting in small tanks, they are aged in American and French oak barrels for no less than eight months, and then aged in bottle until ready to be released. These wines best reflect how Mendoza’s unique terroir can influence the varietals personality.
Argentina of course is heralded for its Malbecs. But in the last two decades Cabernet Sauvignon has been drawing increased attention from winemakers there, and is now the third most planted variety. It is grown in the Mendoza region in the Andean foothills, especially in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, at altitudes between 2300 and 3100 feet. Here the climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. It is very dry and sometimes quite windy, with runoff from the snow-capped Andes providing irrigation. These Argentinian Cabernets offer dark fruit, spice notes, full body and often a voluptuous style.
Another source within Mendoza is the higher altitude Uco Valley, at 3300 to 5000 feet. Up at this level grapes ripen more slowly, despite the bright sun. But that enables them to develop bright acidity levels, giving the wines a fresh quality to go with intense fruit flavors. Another source of good Cabernet Sauvignon in Argentina is Cafayate, in the Calchaquí Valley. North of Mendoza, these vineyards are even higher, at about 5700 feet! These Cabernets carry notes of spice, herbs and menthol to go with dark fruit. Like those from Uco Valley, they show concentration and great vibrancy.
A few producers to look for are Catena, Viña Cobos, Pulenta and Altocedro. Salud!