Las Nencias Malbec Reserve, 2022

Family-crafted Las Nencias Malbec from La Consulta in Argentina's Uco Valley reflects five generations of winemaking heritage. Produced from high-altitude vineyards at 3,500 feet, this elegant Malbec showcases indigenous fermentation, spontaneous malolactic conversion, and 12 months in French oak for a pure expression of its exceptional terroir.

Technical Information

• Appellation: La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
• Varietal: 100% Malbec
• Alcohol: 13.95%
• Residual Sugar: 0.23%
• Acidity: pH of 3.5; TA of 5.4 g/L
• Vineyard Altitude: 3,500 feet above sea level
• Vineyard Density: 2000 plants per hectare
• Winemaker: María de los Ángeles Morchio Giol
• Vineyard Manager: María de los Ángeles Morchio Giol
• Harvest Method: By hand
• Sorting: Double manual selection
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, 18 days maceration
• Malolactic Fermentation: 100% spontaneous, in oak
• Aging: 12 months in French barrels
• Filtration: Unfiltered and unfined

Terroir La Consulta is located at the foot of the Cordillera de los Andes (west of RN 40) and next to Paraje Altamira. Fed by the Tunuyán River to the southwest of the Uco Valley, this region has been the land of great Argentine wines for more than 30 years. The terroir benefits from a significant day-night temperature range (20°C in summer) and pure water from the melting snow of the Andes Mountains.

Vineyard Finca Las Nencias, named after the wild "nencias" (gentianella multicaulis) flowers that grow in the valley, is situated 3000 meters above sea level in Mendoza, Argentina, with a backdrop view of Marmolejo glacier amid the Andes Mountains. The valley is so remote it is accessible only on horseback or on foot.

Producer Information Las Nencias is a family company with a rich winemaking heritage spanning five generations. Their history began with Juan Giol, who founded a winery that later became the first estate winery, making him the most famous winemaker of the early 20th century in Mendoza. The winemaking tradition continued through the Gargantini and Toso families and is now renewed by Maria Marta Giol and her husband Angel Morchio. Today, their eldest daughter Maria de los Angeles Morchio Giol leads the fifth generation of this winemaking family, bringing a fresh perspective while honoring their historical roots in La Consulta.

Winemaking Philosophy The family maintains a deep connection to La Consulta's terroir and carefully stewards the natural resources the village provides. Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention, as evidenced by their use of indigenous yeasts and their decision to leave the wine unfiltered and unfined, allowing the unique characteristics of the La Consulta terroir to shine through in the final product.