Privada Family Blend 2016
Trade Tools
Argentina / Lujan de Cuyo
Originally reserved for the family’s private cellar, this exclusive high-end blend is the result of a request by the Swarovski family to create the best wine to enjoy among their friends. Its grapes come from the winery's oldest vineyards, between 50 and 90 years old. A truly unique wine, it is a special selection of the best barrels of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which results in a harmonious, complex and elegant blend.
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
A deep red blend with rich aromas of black berries. Rich, smooth and elegant with a lingering finish given by the integration of the wine's three varietals.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
APPELLATION: Lujan de Cuyo
PH: 3.54
ACIDITY: 6 g/l
ABV: 14.7%
AGING: 16 months in french oak barrels, followed by 12 months of bottle aging.
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.08 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Unique blend of estate-grown Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
- Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, followed by 12 months of bottle aging
- One of the most awarded red wines from Argentina
- Previously reserved solely for consumption by the Swarovski family
- Fruit is hand-picked and sorted prior to vinification
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 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.
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
