The Tapiz Alta Collection was born to celebrate the addition of Jean Claude Berrouet (ex-Petrus winemaker who presided over 44 vintages at this revered Bordeaux winery) as Consultant Winemaker in 2013. The Alta (high-altitude) fruit comes from Tapiz’s sustainably-farmed estate vineyards in Uco Valley, Mendoza. Chief Winemaker Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude work together to create a beautiful tapis (tapestry). The vineyards are estate vineyards of the San Pablo Vineyard in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. San Pablo is one of the highest altitude vineyards in Mendoza (4,600 feet above sea level). This extreme altitude provides for warm days which impart concentration to the grapes and cold nights which give natural acidity. The state-of-the-art winery is located in the vineyard and is sustainably farmed. Harvest is done by hand with the sorting coming way of a double manual selection. This wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks for approximately 15 days at 80°F. It is then aged for 9 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels (first and second use).
This is a full-bodied yet elegant wine that has the acidity and complexity to drink on its own or compliment food. Blackberry, spice, and bark aromas turn to violets early. This vintage is juicy and fresh, with very integrated oak, a soft mouthfeel with round Malbec tannins, and a perfumed finish.