A Malbec grown at 3,600 feet of elevation in Mendoza’s Valle de Uco, in rocky soils mixed with limestone. The fruit, about half whole-cluster, was fermented and aged in unlined concrete eggs—hence the wine’s name, “Concreto.”
It is a deep, brilliant ruby purple color with a fuchsia rim. The fragrance is of plum fruit and minerals, a touch of licorice, wholly unadorned by oak, of course, which is a relief in young wines. The body has succulence, with splashy black stone fruits and cassis flecked by anise. The texture is like corduroy: drying and with good grip but not gritty. The finish reads like basil steeped with tea.
I think it will look great dressed in a little bottle age, which will elaborate it and show more details. Pair it now with aged cheeses; the fruit will offset the salt and savoriness. Also good with hearty fare, including, of course, grilled meats.
14% abv | $38 (sample) Imported by Winesellers, Ltd.
