Limestone in Argentina (23 February 2017)

Limestone in Argentina

February 23, 2017

We had a visit from Jorge Crotta, managing partner/winemaking team member of Tinto Negro (Mendoza, Argentina). Tasting through four of their wines with constant commentary from Jorge, it was clear that, just like every other great wine growing region in the world, limestone in the soil makes for better wine.

Mind you, Tinto Negro makes very good Malbec in all four of its ranges (roughly $10-$45 retail/bottle). Their "basic" wine, at $10/bottle, is our go-to value Malbec. That wine comes from grapes grown in their lower (1-2,000ft.) elevation vineyards. 

It is their "Limestone Block" (from vineyard parcels in the southern Uco Valley, at 3-4,000ft.) version, however, where quality and value hit the highest point. It has typically intense black fruit, but atypical floral fragrance, crisp minerality and balance. I believe that the addition of 10% Cabernet Franc to the blend is what gives this cuve its aromatic lift. At roughly $22/bottle, Limestone Block is a remarkable value.