"As Malbecs continue to gain a following in the U.S., Xavier Flouret La Pilar 2007, a malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza in Argentina is one good example of this varietal. made by Cristian Garcia of the Finca la Celia winery, this wine is described as having a good structure with rounded sweet and velvety tannins. With a large X for its label and a detailed description of the wine on the back to educate new consumers to the varietal, this wine is letting people know, X marks the spot. The brand is imported and managed directly by Cognac One LLC, a wine importer and distributor in New York."
Winemaker Cristian Garcia
Winery Finca la Celia
Appellation Uco Valley, Mendoza
Country Argentina
Grape varietal Malbec
HISTORY
In the end of the 19th century, Don Eugenio Bustos founded a town that today carries his name near the Finca la Celia winery. Don was a pioneer of viticulture, first planting 1,000 hectares of Malbec in the Uco Valley in 1890. Recently acquired by San Pedro Wine Group (CCU) in 2000 the winery is now 600 hectares.
TERROIR
The vines grow on a soil of alluvial origin with fine sandy and stony texture with low moisture retention capacity and poor natural fertility. The winery is located at 33º-34º South latitude at and altitude of 900-1500 meters. The climate is continental arid. Annual temperatures average 14ºC with very cold nights and hot days. Annual rainfall averages 300mm.
VITICULTURE & VINIFICATION
Vines are on average 9 years old with a vine density of 8,000 vines per hectare and a yield of 55 Hl / Hectare. The juice is fermented in temperature controlled tanks. 100% Malolactic fermentation.
AGEING
70% of the wines are aged in oak barrels during 12 months: 70% new French oak and 30% American oak (30% new barrels). 6 months extra ageing in bottle in the cellars.
VINTAGE
The 2010 vintage was the result of a cool spring and a hot summer. Temperature amplitude in the summer was small at first and got more regular at the end of maturity. Red wines display sweet tannins, good body, moderate alcohol level and optimum conditions for ageing. The high quality of Malbec was highlighted by the Winemaker Association in Mendoza.
STYLE
Eye: Intense ruby red color with violet hints.
Nose: A very expressive and elegant nose reflecting a perfect mix between black ripe fruit, violets, spices and tobacco.
Palate: Good structure in the mouth with rounded, sweet and velvety tannins. Long finish in the mouth.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent for stews, grilled goat, grilled lamb and game.
WHEN TO DRINK
Now and up to 5 years, all year long.
TECHNICALS
Alcohol: 13.5%, Total acidity: 5.5 g/l, PH: 3.60, Residual sugar: 3 g/l
French Blonde 2011
La Pilar 2010
