Terrazas Del Los Andes, Malbec, 2020
Terrazas Del Los Andes, Malbec, 2020
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14%
- Malbec
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From vineyards at an altitude over 1000 metres above sea level, this Malbec embodies the Mendoza style of concentrated flavours and punchy fruitiness.
Aged for 12 months in a blend of new and aged Franco-American oak barrels, the wine is endowed with unrivalled smoothness and harmony. Aromatic notes of violet and graphite with a core of succulent plum and currant fruit, with a finish full of dried cherries, raisins, and prunes. A perfect match with roasted lamb or beef.
At six years old, this 2020 vintage is drinking beautifully now with primary fruit still dominant but beginning to show early integration of oak and tannin. Over the next two to three years, expect the violet florals to become more pronounced whilst the plum and currant fruit develops more complex, dried fruit characteristics. The wine will reach its peak drinking window between now and 2030, when secondary savoury and mineral elements will balance the fruit concentration. Beyond 2032, the wine may begin to lose some vibrancy, though the high-altitude structure should maintain freshness longer than lower-elevation examples.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep purple-black core with violet highlights at the rim, showing the concentration typical of high-altitude Malbec.
NoseViolet florals lift immediately from the glass, followed by graphite minerality that speaks to the mountain terroir. The core reveals succulent dark plum and blackcurrant fruit with subtle oak integration. Secondary aromas of dried herbs and a touch of vanilla emerge with air.
PalateFull-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavours that mirror the nose - plum and currant dominate. The 12 months in Franco-American oak adds structure without overwhelming the fruit, contributing subtle spice and smoothing the natural mountain tannins. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh despite its richness. The altitude shows in the wine's natural tension and energy.
FinishLong and fruit-driven with dried cherry, raisin, and prune characters emerging alongside lingering violet and mineral notes.
Overall impressionA polished expression of high-altitude Mendoza Malbec that balances power with elegance, showing both immediate appeal and moderate aging potential.
Food Pairings
In Mendoza, this style of Malbec traditionally accompanies Argentina's famous parrilla - wood-fired grilled beef including bife de chorizo and ojo de bife, often seasoned simply with coarse salt and chimichurri. The wine pairs beautifully with cordero patagónico (Patagonian lamb) slow-roasted over oak embers, where the smoky char complements Malbec's natural earthiness. Locro, a hearty stew of corn, beans, and various meats eaten during national celebrations, matches the wine's robust character. Empanadas filled with spiced beef and hard-boiled egg make an excellent casual pairing, whilst morcilla (blood sausage) and other traditional Argentine charcuterie highlight the wine's savoury qualities.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit concentration to show whilst preserving the wine's natural freshness. Decanting for 30-45 minutes will help integrate the oak and allow the violet florals to emerge more prominently. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing adequate bowl space for swirling. The wine benefits from this brief aeration but doesn't require extended breathing given its approachable style.
The vineyards sit at over 1,000 metres above sea level in Mendoza's high-altitude zones, where intense solar radiation and dramatic diurnal temperature variation concentrate flavours whilst preserving natural acidity. The alluvial soils contain significant gravel and sand deposits from Andean snowmelt, providing excellent drainage and forcing vines to develop deep root systems. Cool mountain nights slow ripening and allow the grapes to retain freshness despite the intense daytime sun. These extreme conditions produce Malbec with exceptional colour density and structured tannins.
Mendoza produces over 60% of Argentina's wine and is the country's most prestigious region, stretching along the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains. The region's sub-zones are defined primarily by altitude, from 600 metres in the east to over 1,500 metres in premium areas like Tupungato and Luján de Cuyo. Malbec performs exceptionally here due to the high desert climate, intense UV exposure, and significant temperature swings between day and night. Compared to France's Cahors, where Malbec originated, Mendoza produces wines with riper fruit character, softer tannins, and more immediate appeal.
The 2020 vintage in Mendoza presented a tale of two seasons. A relatively dry winter led to concerns about water availability, but spring rains arrived at precisely the right moment to replenish soil moisture without disrupting flowering. Summer brought consistent warmth without excessive heat spikes, allowing for steady ripening across the region's varied altitudes. The harvest proceeded smoothly with ideal conditions, giving producers flexibility to pick at optimal ripeness levels. Crucially, the extended dry period during harvest prevented any disease pressure that might have compromised quality.
This vintage delivered wines of exceptional concentration and balance across Mendoza's key varieties. Malbec shows particular promise, combining the deep colour and structure the region is known for with refined tannins and expressive fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc also excelled, displaying impressive depth whilst retaining freshness. The high-altitude vineyards of Uco Valley produced wines of remarkable precision and elegance. Most 2020 Mendoza wines are drinking beautifully now, though the finest examples will reward cellaring for another decade or more. This ranks among the region's most successful recent vintages.
FAQs
How does high-altitude viticulture affect this Malbec's character?
Vineyards above 1,000 metres experience intense UV radiation and dramatic day-night temperature swings, concentrating colour and flavour whilst preserving natural acidity. This creates wines with deeper colour, more structured tannins, and better aging potential than lower-altitude plantings.
What's the difference between Franco-American oak and traditional French oak?
Franco-American oak barrels are made by French coopers using American oak staves. This combination offers more subtle vanilla and spice integration than American oak alone, whilst being less austere than pure French oak - ideal for enhancing rather than masking Malbec's natural fruit character.
How does Mendoza Malbec compare to its French origins in Cahors?
Mendoza's high desert climate produces riper, more approachable Malbec with softer tannins and immediate charm. Cahors Malbec tends to be more austere and tannic when young, requiring longer aging. Both regions produce age-worthy wines, but Argentine examples generally offer earlier drinking pleasure.
Is this wine ready to drink now or should it be cellared?
This 2020 vintage is drinking excellently now, showing integrated oak and developed fruit character. It will continue to evolve positively until 2032, but there's no need to wait - the wine offers immediate pleasure whilst retaining enough structure for medium-term cellaring.
What food pairings work best with high-altitude Malbec?
The concentration and structure make it ideal for grilled and roasted red meats, particularly beef and lamb. The wine's natural earthiness complements mushroom dishes, whilst its fruit richness can handle bold flavours like blue cheese or dark chocolate desserts.
How should I store this wine for optimal development?
Store bottles on their side at 10-15°C in a dark location with minimal vibration. High-altitude Malbecs like this maintain freshness well due to their natural acidity, but avoid temperature fluctuations which can accelerate aging and diminish the wine's characteristic vibrancy.
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