Graffito Malbec 2018
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Suckling
James
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Deep violet color that evokes its name. Ethereal rose petal incense and spicy perfume with a bass note of smoky earth and espresso. Juicy and medium-bodied with red currant and black pepper on the palate. Finishes with smooth, lush tannins, ripe acidity and good length.
The ultimate in steak wine. Try with grilled steak, bbq wings or smoked gouda.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Attractive purple flowers and blueberries intermingle with cassis on the nose. The palate has a fresh and lithe, juicy feel that carries very fresh, even and long into the soft, approachable finish.
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These deeply concentrated wines are named after the color of “graphite” and shows beautiful expression and structure. Winemaker Jimena Lopez left her corporate wine job to pursue her dream of making her own wine, and she now handles all aspects of Graffito from vine selection to the final blend with a precise attention to detail. She believes so deeply in her wine quality that she puts her fingerprint stamp of approval right on the label.
Jimena made her own winemaking dream a reality when she came across an old-vine Malbec vineyard planted in 1908 in Alto Agrelo farmed by Don Pepe and his family. The balance and structure coming from these old vines are the pillars of Graffito. Jimena also sources grapes from family-owned vineyards in Los Arboles and Vistaflores in the Uco Valley to round out her wines with the perfect blend of fruit flavors, floral notes, and spices.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.