Penedo Borges' Wines – Mendoza Argentina

The Terroir

Change to english Our vineyards are located in Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cujo, which is the main area of viniculture in Argentina. Due to its altitude of 1,050 m above sea level, one of its main characteristics is the high thermal amplitude that features pleasant temperatures during the days and cold nights. This provides them with a particular wealth of aromatic molecules which gives them better taste and color. The area's climate can be defined as moderate continental arid and semi-arid. Rainfalls are rare in fall and winter, but more frequent during the summer.

Minerals are deposited in the ground by water and ice in sandy layers, which results in excellent drainage, mineral wealth and organic scarceness. The waters of the Mendoza River, originating from melting ice, are used for irrigation. All these qualities of the land surrounding our Finca make it an area especially favorable for the cultivation of grapes. Luján de Cujo is known as “The land of the Malbec” because this is where this French variety comes to its best expression.

The Vineyards

Presently, the Finca owns 48 hectares of vineyards. Our vineyard training system is a high cordon trellis system which is the most favorable for obtaining high quality harvests in this region. The area of Agrelo has a climate of moderate temperatures with warm days and very cold nights, which is favorable for reaching a high level of anthocyanins (for a very good color) and a high concentration of aromas due to the long ripening period.

We use the drip irrigation system in order to precisely control the vegetative cycle. To diminish the risk of the grapes being affected by hail, we rely on an anti-hail mesh for protection. Our varieties are distributed as follows:

Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc

Malbec

(24 hectares). Originally from the south-west of France, this is the red wine variety that has best adapted to the Argentinean soil, resulting in exceptional wines. The Malbec is characterized by intense aromas, a highly concentrated purple color and a pleasant taste. Without a doubt, Argentina produces the best Malbec in the world.

Malbec is produced as young and light red wines with fresh and fruity aromas, or as red wines of good body with long storage capacity in which the aromas of ripe red fruits are outstanding. These wines are cultivated in all areas of viniculture in the country; the best examples come from the province of Mendoza, in the regions of Luán de Cujo and Maipú.

With the Malbec as their flagship and emblematic variety, the Argentinean wineries have achieved important growth on the international market and are to be considered to be amongst the best.

Cabernet Sauvignon

(12 hectares). Historically associated with the great wines from Bordeaux, this is the most renowned red wine variety in the world due to the vine’s particular capacity to adapt to different regions of viniculture without losing its typical and essential characteristics.

It produces a wine rich in colors and tannins which is frequently mixed with other less tannic varieties such as Merlot or Cabernet Franc. These young wines are rough and hard, which is why fermentation in oak barrels or an aging process in bottles helps to tame their consistent structure.

The end results are wines of high potential, with pleasant aromas with hints of red and black fruits, green pepper and spices.

Syrah

(6 hectares). Being of French origin, this wine can mainly be found in the Rhone valley and is part of the grand wines like L'Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape and Cote Rotie.

This variety offers very rigorous, solid wines, rich in tannins and suitable for long conservation. Therefore, fermentation in wood barrels and an aging process in bottles is favorable for them. Their intense aromas recall red fruits, spices and leather.

Similar to the Malbec, the Syrah, or Shiraz, has adapted very well to Argentina, resulting in excellent varietal and bi-varietal wines (blending with Cabernet Sauvignon).

Chardonnay

(3 hectares). This is the most popular white wine in the world. Originally from Bourgogne (Burgundy, France), it has adapted to different areas with good results, from the cold climate of the Champagne to very warm climates throughout the world.

In cold climates, notes of fruits such as apple and pineapple are predominant, while aromas of tropical fruits stand out in warmer climates.

Being part of the composition of the best sparkling wines in the world, Chardonnay usually reacts very well to fermentation in oak barrels. This process gives them aromas of vanilla, honey and butter.

Thanks to the versatility of this variety, and to the different climates of the areas of viniculture in Argentina, this wine can be found in all its distinctive forms in the country- from the fresh and light to the most complex suitable for conservation.

Sauvignon Blanc

(3 hectares). This is the main white grape from Bordeaux, as well as the Loire valley in France and throughout the world. It has adapted very well to different areas of viniculture throughout the world, such as Northeast Italy, Chile, Argentina, and valleys on the coast of California and Australia. On a global level, the varieties of the Sauvignon Blanc produced in New Zealand are considered to be the most outstanding.

Depending on its origin, Sauvignon Blanc offers aromas of good herbs, citrus fruits and sometimes smoky notes or certain savory, spicy scents of the forest, which are amongst the strongest and most complex wines.

Argentina has achieved an important position amongst the producers of fine white wines, and has a promising future.

Penedo Borges - Finca Don Otaviano