Zaha Malbec
WHY WE LOVE IT
- ZaHa means “Heart” in Mendoza’s native Huarpe language.
- The 90% Malbec fruit is co-fermented with small amounts of 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot for additional complexity and concentration.
- ZaHa – the heart of Paraje Altamira.
Varietal Composition: 90% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Elaboration: 100% of Zaha Malbec comes from estate ZaHa (heart) vineyard in San Carlos, Valle de Uco, Mendoza. 17 acres vineyard; 0.9 kilo production per plant; planted 2008.
Planted at a high density of 7000 plants per hectare. This Malbec is a result of co fermentations from the three varieties that compose this wine as well as different soil profiles harvested at different stages. At first, the sandy driven areas are harvested where Malbec and Cabernet Franc get co-fermented. At a second phase the limestone driven stony parcel of the vineyard gets harvested enhancing the mineral profile of this wine. Finally, the grapes from the silty parcel get picked, here Petit Verdot comes into the blend contributing to richness, black fruit aromas and color concentration.
Tasting Notes: A mineral and fresh Malbec. Floral notes and red fruit aromas on the nose are followed by a rich and medium bodied palate that enhances the fruit profile of this wine. Round tannins that add up to a long finish.
PRESS
2017 – 92 James Suckling
2020 – 91 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
The diverse soils of Paraje Altamira include patches of sandy, rocky and silty soils dispersed throughout the vineyard. At the moment of harvest, each soil profile imparts distinct aromatic and flavors to the fruit – floral notes in the sandy patches, stony minerality in the rocky areas, and dark fruits in the silty soils. The combination of these profiles lends excellent complexity to the final wine. While rainfall is usually low, irrigation is provided by snowmelt from the Andes. Because the Uco Valley was once a riverbed, gravel in the topsoil promotes good drainage.