SuperUco Calcareo Rio de los Chacayes Malbec 2018
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Robert
Parker -
Wilfred
Wong
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
They bought three 5,000-liter oak vats for the Calcáreo Malbec range, and the 2018 Calcáreo Río de los Chacayes fermented in that cask and in concrete and then matured in the cask. The wine shows the stony soils with less limestone than Altamira or Gualtallary; it is elegant and fluid, and with the larger volume (and a longer élevage), the wines feel more elegant. 3,000 bottles were filled in February 2020. The vineyard is certified organic and biodynamic, but they don't show it on the label, as they want to do it and feel it but not use it as a commercial tool.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 SuperUco Calcáreo Rio de Los Chacayes is a substantive and authentic Merlot. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits attractive aromas and flavors of black fruit, savory spices, licorice, and dried herbs. It almost spins itself the Old World. Enjoy it with mint-accented, grilled lamb chops. (Tasted: April 11, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2015-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
The Michelini brothers, also winemakers at Mendoza’s renowned Zorzal and Passionate wineries, planted and built their biodynamic winery in the Los Chacayes subregion of the Uco Valley in Argentina in 2012. SuperUco was originally inspired with the intent to showcase three unique calcareous soil types from some of the most highly regarded subregions of the Uco Valley. They produce wines under the Calcareo and SuperUco labels. The dodecahedron shaped winery consists of egg-shaped concrete amphoras, foudres, barrels, and concrete eggs. The two hectare farm is planted in concentric circles so that the vines have 360 degrees of exposure to the sun. The different varietals are planted from the center outward, as its vegetative cycle dictates. This boutique, biodynamic winery produces very limited bottlings of top quality, terroir driven wines.
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.