Grande Reserve Malbec 2020
Trade Tools
Chile / DO Maule
Grande Reserve is a selection from Altamana's Maule vineyards that highlights the distinct character of older vines and dry farming in this cooler climate. Tucked against the Andes mountains at high elevations, these sites are warm during the day, but cooled by ocean breezes at night, creating dramatic temperature swings that perserve acidity. Older vines, with an average age over 60 years old, and dry farming lead to lower yields and increased concentration of flavors. After a rigorous selection process through the vineyard and winery, grapes are fermented in concrete cubes and left to macerate for 25 days, before being placed in French Oak barrels to age for 9 months.
91 Points
jamessuckling.com
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2020 vintage was a dry and hot year, with very little rain. Flowering was ealy and there were some frost incidents, so production levels were 10-25% lower. While the yield was slightly lower than average, the exceptional quality of the fruit more than compensated for the reduced volume. The vintage brought balance and intensity, landing among the best in recent years.
Tasting Note
Dark and intense ruby color. Red, dark fruits with floral, herbal and eucalyptus notes. Smooth tannins with
elegant grain, complexity with a long finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Malbec
APPELLATION: Maule
PH: 3.68
ACIDITY: 5.08
ABV: 13.6%
AGING: Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 9 months
Unique Selling Points
- From historic 60-year-old vines
- Dry farmed in perfect terroir and microclimate for Malbec
- Handcrafted by Didier Debono, celebrated winemaker originally from Bordeaux
“It is our great privilege to craft wine from these century-old Malbec vines, which is like composing a symphony.”
Didier Debono & Patrick d’Aulan
About the Grape
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.
