Bodega DiamAndes, de Uco Syrah, 2019
Bodega DiamAndes, de Uco Syrah, 2019
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14%
- Syrah
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Bodegas DiamAndes sits at 1,050 metres in the Uco Valley, where extreme altitude and dramatic temperature swings produce Syrah of exceptional concentration and elegance. This 2019 captures the variety's peppery character whilst displaying the mineral precision that defines high-altitude Mendoza.
The wine delivers dark berry fruit wrapped in firm but approachable tannins, with the cooling mountain nights preserving natural acidity. Drinking beautifully now, it will develop additional savoury complexity until 2032.
Currently drinking well with primary black fruit still dominant and tannins well-integrated but present. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the pepper spice to meld further with the fruit whilst developing secondary savoury character. The mineral backbone will become more prominent by 2028-2030, when the wine reaches full maturity with leather and earth emerging alongside the fruit. Beyond 2032, the fruit may begin to fade whilst the savoury elements dominate, though the wine should remain pleasant for several years.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep purple with violet rim, indicating youth and concentration.
NoseBlackberry and cassis dominate, supported by white pepper and dried herbs. Subtle violet florals emerge with aeration, alongside mineral graphite character from the high-altitude terroir. Oak integration is seamless, adding gentle vanilla rather than overwhelming the fruit.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with excellent structure, the dark fruit core is framed by firm yet polished tannins. Black pepper spice builds through the mid-palate, whilst bright acidity maintains freshness. The high altitude contributes a distinctive mineral thread that runs throughout, preventing any sense of over-ripeness despite the concentrated fruit.
FinishLong and savoury, with lingering pepper spice and mineral tension.
Overall impressionA well-crafted expression of high-altitude Syrah that balances power with elegance.
Food Pairings
In Argentina, Syrah pairs naturally with the country's exceptional beef, particularly cuts slow-cooked over wood fires that complement the wine's smoky undertones. Locals often enjoy it with chorizo and morcilla sausages at weekend asados, where the wine's peppery character matches the spiced meats. Empanadas filled with beef and cumin provide another classic pairing, whilst the wine also accompanies regional game dishes like wild boar and venison during hunting season. The mineral character works beautifully with Argentina's excellent aged cheeses, particularly hard varieties from the mountain regions.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and spice character to express fully without overwhelming tannins. Decant for 30 minutes to soften the structure and allow the mineral complexity to emerge. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing enough bowl space for swirling. The wine benefits from this gentle aeration, revealing its full aromatic potential.
The Uco Valley vineyards sit at over 1,000 metres altitude on alluvial soils mixed with limestone and clay deposits. Intense solar radiation during the day is balanced by dramatic nighttime temperature drops of up to 20°C, preserving acidity whilst concentrating flavours. These extreme conditions stress the vines, producing small berries with thick skins that contribute to the wine's structure and mineral character.
The Uco Valley represents Mendoza's premium sub-region, recognised for producing Argentina's finest high-altitude wines. Located in the shadow of the Andes at elevations between 900-1,500 metres, it benefits from pure mountain water for irrigation and extreme diurnal temperature variation. The region's combination of altitude, ancient soils, and continental climate produces wines with greater elegance and longevity than Mendoza's warmer, lower-elevation zones.
The 2019 vintage in Mendoza benefited from near-ideal growing conditions that reminded seasoned producers why this region consistently delivers outstanding wines. The season began with a mild winter that provided adequate chill hours, followed by a warm but not excessive spring that encouraged healthy flowering across the altiplano. Summer brought the crucial diurnal temperature variation that Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards are famous for, with warm days allowing full phenolic ripening and cool nights preserving the natural acidity that gives these wines their backbone. Harvest timing proved optimal, with most producers able to pick at perfect ripeness without the pressure of adverse weather.
This vintage produced wines of exceptional concentration and balance, particularly for Malbec, which achieved the perfect marriage of power and elegance that defines great Mendoza. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also performed admirably, showing rich fruit character supported by well-integrated tannins. The whites, especially Chardonnay from the cooler Uco Valley sites, display remarkable freshness and complexity. Most 2019 Mendoza reds are drinking beautifully now but possess the structure for extended cellaring, with premium Malbecs likely to reward patience until 2030 and beyond.
FAQs
What makes Uco Valley Syrah different from other regions?
The extreme altitude of over 1,000 metres creates dramatic day-night temperature swings that preserve acidity whilst concentrating flavours. This produces Syrah with greater elegance and mineral character than warmer, lower-elevation sites, combining power with freshness in a distinctive style.
How does this compare to Northern Rhône Syrah?
Whilst sharing Syrah's characteristic pepper and dark fruit, this Argentine expression shows riper fruit character and softer tannins due to the consistent sunshine. The mineral element is more graphite-like rather than the granite-driven character of Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie, reflecting the different geological context of the Andes foothills.
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
Yes, though it's drinking beautifully now. The firm tannins and good acidity provide structure for 6-8 years of development, during which savoury complexity will emerge. However, it's not built for decades of ageing like the greatest Northern Rhône examples.
What food pairings work best?
The wine's structure and spice make it ideal for red meat, particularly grilled or barbecued beef where the smoky character complements the wine's mineral undertones. Game dishes, lamb with herbs, and aged hard cheeses also work excellently.
Should I decant this wine?
Thirty minutes of decanting will benefit the wine by softening the tannins and allowing the mineral complexity to emerge. The wine is approachable without decanting but shows greater depth and integration with brief aeration.
How does the 2019 vintage compare for Argentina?
2019 was an excellent vintage in Mendoza, with ideal growing conditions producing wines of good concentration balanced by fresh acidity. The harvest was slightly earlier than usual, helping preserve the bright fruit character whilst achieving full ripeness.
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