Gernot 2016
Trade Tools
Argentina / Mendoza
As Bodega Norton's icon wine, Gernot was named after its owner Gernot Langes Swarovski. This wine is made from a careful selection of the finest Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes, picked from Bodega Norton’s oldest estate vineyards. The unique blend is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months and then in bottle for another 14 months. Each of Gernot’s 4,988 numbered bottles expresses the spirit and vision of the winery.
Harvest Note
The 2016 season was characterized by dry conditions, cool temperatures and seemingly eternal snow. 2016 was the coolest vintage in the last thirty years, marked by the ‘El Niño’ phenomenon, producing low yields and a fully snow-covered view of the Andes through the summer. The rains brought days that were cooler than usual, which minimized rot by lowering yields and shortening the harvest season. The vineyards were mostly dry farmed, producing wines with natural acidities that were extremely high and alcohols that were low, in the 12%-13% range. The resulting 2016 wines are poised for longer maturity due to the higher acid levels in the wines which will allow the wines to develop gracefully over time.
Tasting Note
An intense, dark ruby red color. On the nose, there are complex and elegant aromas reflecting the character of this wine, which includes red fruit, spice and minerality. On the palate, the wine is velvety with harmonious tannins coming from the Malbec, followed by complex black fruit that persist in a long and vibrant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 50% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Lujan de Cuyo
PH: 3.49
ACIDITY: 6.3 g/l
ABV: 14.9%
AGING: 100% aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months.
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.71 g/L
Unique Selling Points
- Named for the iconic owner of the winery, Gernot Langes Swarovski
- A unique blend of Bordeaux varietals grown in vineyards up to 3,600 ft in altitude
- Grapes are hand-picked and sorted prior to vinification
- Aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 18 months
- Grown in complex soils featuring alluvial and sandy components
Founded in 1895, Bodega Norton is one of the most awarded Argentinean wine brands in the U.S. with more than 150 international wine awards to date. Bodega Norton combines a modern, state-of-the-art facility with rich heritage and old world charm.
David Bonomi, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc usually shows tart red cherry and wild currant aromas and flavors with an herbal, spicy character. In the Loire, esp. Chinon and Saumur-Champigny, this grape shows firm minerality.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
Malbec
Well-made Malbec is a dark, perfumed wine with rich, blackberry and damson plum fruit, aromas of violets and tobacco, and ripe, juicy tannins. In France, may be mineral, structured and austere.
