Mi Terruño, Cabernet Franc Reserve, 2023
Mi Terruño, Cabernet Franc Reserve, 2023
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14%
- Cabernet Franc
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Mi Terruño's 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve demonstrates the variety's elegant expression in Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards. This reserve bottling captures Cabernet Franc's characteristic herbaceous character while showcasing the concentration possible at elevation, where cool nights preserve acidity and extend ripening.
The wine displays classic varietal markers of blackcurrant, tobacco, and bell pepper, structured by fine-grained tannins and lifted by bright acidity. Ready to drink now until 2032, it pairs beautifully with grilled red meats and herb-crusted lamb.
This 2023 vintage will drink well immediately, with primary fruit at its peak and tannins already integrated. Over the next 2-3 years, the herbaceous character will soften slightly while developing secondary complexity including leather and earth. The wine should reach its optimal drinking window by 2028-2030, when fruit, structure, and tertiary development achieve perfect balance. Beyond 2032, the fruit may begin to fade while the herbaceous elements become more pronounced.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with violet rim, showing youthful concentration and clarity.
NoseBlackcurrant pastille leads, followed by tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. Green bell pepper adds varietal character without dominating, while violet florals provide lift. Subtle oak integration shows vanilla and cedar.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with excellent structure from fine-grained tannins. Dark fruit concentration balances the herbaceous edge typical of quality Cabernet Franc. Bright acidity maintains freshness while graphite minerality adds complexity. The oak remains supportive rather than intrusive.
FinishLong and persistent with tobacco and herbs lingering over dark fruit echoes.
Overall impressionA well-crafted Cabernet Franc that balances power with elegance, expressing both varietal character and Mendoza terroir.
Food Pairings
In Mendoza, Cabernet Franc traditionally accompanies the region's famous asado, particularly herb-crusted lamb and beef short ribs slow-cooked over wood fires. The wine's herbaceous character complements chimichurri sauce, while its structure handles the rich, smoky flavours of grilled meats. Local empanadas filled with spiced beef provide an ideal casual pairing, as does locro, a hearty stew of beans, corn, and cured meats popular in the region's cooler months.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to best express the wine's aromatics and structure. Decant for 30 minutes to allow the wine to open, particularly if drinking soon after purchase. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics while providing adequate bowl space for swirling. The wine benefits from slight aeration but doesn't require extended breathing time.
The vineyards sit at approximately 1,000 metres elevation in Mendoza's foothills, where alluvial soils provide excellent drainage essential for Cabernet Franc. The high altitude creates dramatic diurnal temperature variation, with scorching days followed by cool nights that preserve acidity and allow gradual flavour development. The Andes' proximity moderates the continental climate, while the rocky, calcium-rich subsoil contributes to the wine's mineral backbone.
Mendoza represents Argentina's most prestigious wine region, stretching along the Andes foothills at elevations from 600 to 1,500 metres. The region's sub-zones each offer distinct microclimates, with higher elevations producing wines of greater freshness and elegance. Mendoza's regulations focus on geographical boundaries rather than strict varietal requirements, allowing producers flexibility to express their terroir through various grape varieties including the increasingly planted Cabernet Franc.
The 2023 growing season in Mendoza presented a mixed picture, with early spring frost events causing concern in some lower-lying vineyards, particularly affecting budbreak timing. Summer brought periods of intense heat that tested vine resilience, though the region's high-altitude sites generally fared better than lower elevations. Harvest conditions varied considerably across Mendoza's sub-regions, with many producers exercising careful selection to maintain quality standards. The vintage required thoughtful vineyard management and precise timing decisions, rewarding those who adapted their approach to the season's challenges.
While 2023 cannot claim to be among Mendoza's legendary vintages, it has produced wines of solid quality with distinct regional character. Malbec shows good concentration where yields were naturally reduced, though the style tends towards more immediate accessibility rather than the structured power of truly great years. Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties performed variably, with high-altitude sites generally delivering more consistent results. Most 2023 Mendoza wines are approaching drinkability now, offering pleasant near-term drinking rather than requiring extended cellaring, making this a vintage for enjoying over the next 5-8 years rather than laying down for decades.
FAQs
What makes this a 'Reserve' wine?
The Reserve designation indicates fruit selection from Mi Terruño's finest vineyard blocks, longer ageing before release, and stricter quality criteria during production. This represents the estate's premium expression of Cabernet Franc.
How does Argentine Cabernet Franc differ from Loire Valley examples?
Argentine Cabernet Franc typically shows greater concentration and richness due to intense sunlight and dry climate, while maintaining the variety's characteristic herbaceous character. Mendoza's altitude preserves acidity levels comparable to cooler French regions.
Should I age this wine further?
While drinking beautifully now, this wine will develop additional complexity over the next 3-4 years. The tannin structure suggests it will hold well until 2032, with peak drinking around 2028-2030.
What food pairings work best?
The wine's herbaceous character pairs excellently with herb-crusted lamb, grilled beef, and dishes featuring rosemary or thyme. The structure handles rich, smoky flavours while the acidity cuts through fatty meats.
What temperature should I serve this at?
Serve at 16-18°C (61-64°F) to best express the aromatics and maintain proper structure. Too warm and the alcohol becomes prominent; too cool and the aromatics remain muted.
Does this wine need decanting?
Thirty minutes of decanting will help the wine open, particularly if drinking soon after purchase. Extended decanting isn't necessary as the tannins are already well-integrated.
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