Region and Vineyards
Cheval des Andes is crafted in Mendoza, Argentina's most prestigious wine region, where vineyards stretch along the foothills of the Andes at altitudes ranging between 1,000 and 1,200 meters. The estate works with two primary vineyard sites: Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo, home to old-vine Malbec, and Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley, renowned for its stony, calcareous soils that impart distinctive freshness and minerality.
The 2020 growing season was unusually warm and dry, with prolonged heat waves between November and February. Despite these conditions, the vineyards achieved excellent health, allowing for the earliest harvest in the estate's history, from 28 February to 17 March. The high elevation mitigated the heat, preserving acidity and balance. These contrasting sites and conditions contribute to the wine's rich structure, freshness, and depth, encapsulating both the power of Mendoza sunshine and the precision of its cool nights.
Winemaking
Cheval des Andes 2020 is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Grapes were hand-harvested and transported in 20 kg boxes before meticulous manual sorting. Each parcel followed the principle of "one parcel, one tank," vinified separately in small-capacity vessels (30-80 hl), ensuring precision and respect for terroir.
Aging was carried out with minimal intervention to retain purity of fruit. The élevage lasted 22 months in a carefully balanced oak regime: 40% in 225-litre Bordeaux barrels, 40% in 400-litre barrels, and 20% in 2,500-litre foudres, with 50% new oak. The majority of barrels were French, complemented by Austrian, Slovenian, and German oak to bring subtle aromatic complexity. The result is a wine with powerful tannins, layered fruit, and seamless integration of oak, destined for long aging.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, intense, and velvety red with a vibrant, shiny hue.
- Aroma: Generous nose of ripe cherries, cassis, and plums, lifted by violet, black pepper, and subtle spice.
- Palate: Full-bodied and rich, with refined yet powerful tannins. Red and black fruits dominate, framed by spice, mineral accents, and a long, elegant finish with freshness that defies the warmth of the vintage.
Did you know?
Cheval des Andes is often described as the "Grand Cru of the Andes," a title earned from its unique heritage: a collaboration between Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux and Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza. Since 2003, it has been the first Argentinian wine distributed via La Place de Bordeaux, placing it among the world's most elite wines.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Dry-aged ribeye steak: The wine's tannic backbone and spice harmonize with the richness of marbled beef.
- Roast lamb with rosemary: Herbal notes and succulent texture match the wine's structure and freshness.
- Wild mushroom risotto: Earthy umami flavors echo the wine's mineral and savory complexity.
- Aged hard cheeses (Comté, Manchego): Their nutty, salty depth pairs seamlessly with the wine's ripe fruit and oak integration.
