Mi Terruño, Hipster Animal Organic Malbec, 2021
Mi Terruño, Hipster Animal Organic Malbec, 2021
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Organic
- Vegan
- Malbec
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Bodega Mi Terruño, located in the picturesque town of San Roque, Maipú, has been in the hands of the Biagorria family since the 1960s. Today, the Biagorria brothers focus on crafting wines of real quality that express the unique character of their terroir.
Certified organic, vegan, and produced with strong sustainable principles, Hipster Animal is their playful reinterpretation of Malbec—crafted to win over both seasoned aficionados and new wine lovers alike. In the glass, it shows a vibrant ruby red, with aromas of ripe plums, strawberries, liquorice, cocoa, and vanilla. Medium-bodied with silky tannins, it finishes juicy, aromatic, and irresistibly moreish.
The 2021 vintage is drinking beautifully now, with primary fruit flavours at their peak and tannins fully integrated. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the bright strawberry character to deepen whilst maintaining its juicy appeal, with the cocoa and vanilla elements becoming more pronounced. The wine's structure suggests it will hold well until 2029, though it's designed for relatively early consumption rather than extended cellaring, making it ideal for current enjoyment.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceVibrant ruby red with good depth and clarity.
NoseRipe plums dominate the aromatics, supported by fresh strawberry fruit and darker liquorice undertones. There's a subtle interplay of cocoa and vanilla that adds complexity without overwhelming the primary fruit character.
PalateMedium-bodied with excellent balance between fruit concentration and accessibility. The tannins are notably silky and well-integrated, providing structure without harshness. The fruit flavours mirror the nose with additional depth and a juicy, moreish quality that invites another sip.
FinishClean and aromatic with lingering fruit and gentle spice.
Overall impressionA well-crafted, approachable Malbec that successfully balances serious winemaking with immediate drinkability.
Food Pairings
In Mendoza, this style of Malbec traditionally accompanies the famous Argentine asado, particularly grilled beef cuts like bife de chorizo and entraña cooked over wood fires. Local families pair it with empanadas filled with spiced beef, locro stew during winter months, and milanesas with chimichurri sauce. The wine also complements regional specialities like cordero patagónico (Patagonian lamb) and morcilla (blood sausage), dishes that showcase the robust, meat-friendly character that makes Mendoza Malbec so distinctive.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to showcase the fruit whilst maintaining structure - too warm and the alcohol becomes prominent. This wine doesn't require decanting but benefits from opening 30 minutes before serving to allow the aromatics to develop fully. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing adequate surface area for the wine to breathe.
The vineyards sit in San Roque within the Maipú district, benefiting from the high altitude and continental climate typical of Mendoza's premium wine regions. The terroir combines alluvial soils with excellent drainage and significant diurnal temperature variation, allowing Malbec grapes to develop concentrated flavours whilst maintaining natural acidity. These conditions, combined with organic farming practices, produce fruit with the characteristic depth and structure that defines quality Argentine Malbec.
Maipú is one of Argentina's most historic wine regions, established in the 19th century and located in the heart of Mendoza province. The area benefits from high altitude vineyards, typically between 650-1,100 metres above sea level, and reliable irrigation from Andean snowmelt. Maipú is particularly renowned for Malbec production, with many of Argentina's most celebrated producers based here, and the region has become synonymous with the country's transformation from quantity to quality wine production.
The 2021 growing season in Mendoza presented both opportunities and challenges for producers across the region's diverse altitudes. Spring brought welcome rainfall that replenished water reserves after several dry years, though careful canopy management became essential as the season progressed. Summer temperatures remained within optimal ranges for most varieties, particularly benefiting the high-altitude vineyards of Uco Valley where diurnal temperature variation helped preserve crucial acidity. Harvest timing proved critical, with experienced producers achieving excellent results by picking at precise moments of ripeness.
The vintage delivered wines of considerable quality, with Malbec showing particular promise in its concentration and structural integrity. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot performed admirably, producing wines with good colour depth and balanced tannins. Many 2021 Mendoza reds display an appealing freshness alongside their characteristic power, making them accessible in youth whilst possessing the backbone for medium-term cellaring. The best examples are drinking beautifully now and should continue to develop gracefully over the next 8-12 years, though top-tier Malbecs from premium sites may reward patience well into the 2030s.
FAQs
What makes this Malbec different from mass-market Argentine wines?
The Biagorria family's organic certification and focus on terroir expression sets this apart from industrial production. Their smaller scale allows for more careful vineyard management and winemaking, resulting in better integration and more distinctive character than commodity wines.
Why is it called 'Hipster Animal' and does this affect the wine quality?
The playful name reflects the producer's modern approach to traditional winemaking - it's designed to appeal to younger wine drinkers without compromising on quality. The wine inside the bottle maintains the serious standards you'd expect from a family estate with over 50 years of experience.
How does this compare to other Mendoza Malbecs at similar price points?
The organic certification and silky tannin structure offer excellent value compared to conventionally-made equivalents. The balance between accessibility and complexity makes it particularly versatile, suitable for both casual drinking and food pairing.
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
While built for relatively early consumption, it will hold well for 2-3 years from vintage. The integrated tannins and good acidity structure mean it won't deteriorate quickly, though it's designed to be enjoyed for its fresh fruit character rather than aged complexity.
What food pairings work best with this style of Malbec?
The medium body and silky tannins make it excellent with grilled meats, particularly beef and lamb. It also pairs well with rich tomato-based dishes, aged cheeses, and barbecued vegetables. The wine's approachable style means it works with both casual and more formal dining.
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