Based on Malbec Lujan a local winery developed the first Ice Wine Argentinian, a prized in countries like Canada, Austria and Germany came.
Believe it or not, Malbec also serves as a base for ice wines, as well as did the grapes of that feudal lord who according to legend – had to develop their wine with frozen grapes because his servants in his absence forgot lifting.
The medieval legend has given rise to some controversy, but actually frozen grape wines do exist. They are part of the culture of cold countries, mainly Germany and Canada. Wine made from frozen grapes, very late harvests (and passing the autumn, in winter), which contain a high content of residual sugar.
This wine, named in their countries of origin (as named in Canada and Germany, but add Austria) as Ice Wine, Mendoza has an exponent. It is a product of The Partridge winery which was launched last year and by its nature, is a wine of low production and high added value.
Unlike the grapes from Canada, Mendoza not freeze in vineyard and therefore must spend several days at the winery where they are subjected to temperatures below 8 degrees below zero.
Local Method
Malbec harvest in mid-June, between 60 and 90 days after the usual date. At this point the grapes are in an advanced state of dehydration and thus concentration of sugars, aromas and flavors, says winemaker and co-owner of the firm, Juan Carlos Muñoz.
Under these conditions begins the process of winemaking. The grapes are pressed and directly led to the removal of ice crystals allows a juice or must with unique characteristics. This wine is fermented for more than 30 days at temperatures between 10 and 12 ° C.
Slowly fermentation begins to slow to a stop, leaving a significant amount of residual sugar in the wine obtained.
Currently experience Viña The Partridge is the only one in the country. The result of the experience are 2500 liters of wine sold especially in the domestic market but also exported.
Right now there are several countries with warm climates that are experimenting with this method, as we said, achieves very particular wines, and therefore scarce. Among those who have been successful United States, Australia (a strong competitor in all sides) New Zealand Chile plus some cases are counted.
Cold but fine Argentine
While the Ice Wine can be made with many varietals, owners of The Partridge thought the presentation of the product deserved to be launched with the Malbec. In particular because entrepreneurship is Agrelo, emblematic part of this grape.
When asked why he decided to explore this method of vinification, Muñoz responds: The magic of this wine is the concentration attained, concentration in every way, not only sugar, but acidity, aromas, flavors, in other words complexity . I had 200 bottles in 2006, on an experimental basis and took him to shows such as La Rural (Wines and Wineries in September 2006). This was a bit triggered the decision, people loved it, especially to women. It is something new and unique and our idea is to show that you can do other interesting things besides what we all know. It was a challenge and we are addressing.
The result of this challenge is a wine with bright cherry red color, with aromas of ripe red fruits (prunes, cherries), smooth and complex palate. It is ideal with various cheeses, pates and desserts.
It has an alcohol content of 11.50, 170 grams of sugar per liter. It is drunk at low temperature. Between 6 and 8 degrees.
Need an extended guard period: 5-7 years. It is sold in 375 ml bottles, worth $ 80.
Source: the Andes.- Journal
