Antucura Calcura 2016

94 pts – Decanter World Wine Awards
34% Malbec, 33% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon
The Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon for this wine come from very special sections of the vineyard that produce lower yields than normal – around 3 t/a. Like all Antucura wines, the fruit is hand harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness. Unlike the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon for the Antucura young wine, in these fermentations higher temperatures are reached, up to 82°F – 86°F, with extended macerations ranging from 30-35 days in total. After pressing, the wine undergoes malo with indigenous lactic acid bacteria. Following this, all are kept separate in (100% French oak with
lighter toast for the Merlot) barrel, for 12 months, before the blend is made. The nature of the vintage always determines the blend. The blend is done in a stainless steel tank and after confirming lab analysis, the wine is stabilized and filtered (via cross flow) before bottling. Calcura always spends at least 1 year in the bottle, to come together, before release.
The idea of this Wine was to reach the perfect marriage between Argentina and France, between Bordeaux and the Uco Valley – a very well balanced wine, using the classical varietals of Bordeaux, in harmony, but with the famous Argentine varietal Malbec, stepping up its participation in the blend. The body and richness of this wine comes from the Cabernet Sauvignon. The smooth and silky cloak which wraps up the wine and gives it that suave sexiness on the palate, comes from the Merlot. The brightness, fruitiness and freshness, especially the lifted aromatics, all come from the Malbec. All 3 varietals in a very similar proportion. Ann Caroline Biancheri (owner) is from Bordeaux and is particularly fond of wine styles from the right bank – in other words, Merlot driven wines. It would seem, with the help of famous French consultant, Michel Rolland, she has found her Saint-Émilion kinship, here in the southern tip of the Uco Valley.