Crafted in the stunning high-altitude vineyards of Cafayate, Argentina, the Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya Red Blend is a masterful expression of winemaking by Michel Rolland. This elegant blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, from 60-year-old vines, boasts an intense violet hue and a rich fruity character complemented by delicate spicy notes and hints of oak from aging in French barrels. With a sweet yet bold entry, balanced acidity, and silky tannins, it offers layers of complexity from ripe fruits to subtle peppery touches. Perfect for immediate enjoyment, this wine is a celebration of Argentina's unique terroir, artfully combining tradition and innovation.
Process & Profile
The San Pedro de Yacochuya Red Blend is made from a meticulous selection of 85% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, sourced from 60-year-old vines cultivated at an altitude of 2,035 meters. This blend undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging for 12 months in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new. The winemaking process emphasizes purity, as the wine remains unfined and unfiltered to preserve its natural character and complexity.
Its high-altitude origin lends the wine a distinctive character, combining lively freshness with rich, concentrated flavors.
Tasting Notes
San Pedro de Yacochuya Red Blend delights the senses with its deep purple hue and an intense bouquet of spicy black fruits, floral notes, and wet stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet balanced, offering layers of fresh red berries, ripe black cherry, and exotic hints. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes a subtle spiciness, including a touch of pepper, while the Malbec adds a silky, fruity vibrancy.
The wine showcases smooth, firm tannins with a delightful minerality and a long, harmonious finish. It is a testament to the elegance of high-altitude Argentinian viticulture.
What Makes It Special
San Pedro de Yacochuya stands out for several reasons:
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High-Altitude Vineyards: Grown at one of the world's highest vineyard altitudes (2,035 meters), the grapes ripen under intense sunlight, yielding concentrated flavors with remarkable freshness.
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Expert Craftsmanship: Guided by Michel Rolland's expertise, this wine combines French winemaking techniques with the unique terroir of Cafayate.
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Limited Intervention: The blend is neither fined nor filtered, ensuring an authentic, unadulterated expression of the vineyard's quality.
How to Enjoy
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Serving Temperature: For optimal enjoyment, serve between 16–18°C (60–64°F).
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Food Pairing: This red blend pairs brilliantly with hearty dishes such as grilled beef, venison, or lamb. Its spiciness also complements rich, tomato-based pasta and earthy mushroom dishes.
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Aging Potential: While it offers immediate drinkability with its vibrant fruit and silky texture, this wine can be cellared until 2028, developing greater complexity over time.
Indulge in the luxurious yet approachable San Pedro de Yacochuya Red Blend and savor the legacy of Argentinian craftsmanship in every sip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key grape varieties in the Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya Red Blend?
The Red Blend primarily consists of Malbec grapes, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties create a bold and flavorful wine with depth and complexity.
What makes this wine unique?
This wine is crafted in one of the world's highest-altitude winemaking regions, Cafayate, at an elevation of about 2,000 meters. The unique terroir, characterized by high UV exposure and dry conditions, intensifies concentration and flavor in the grapes. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, adding complexity and structure.
What are the tasting notes for this wine?
The wine is full-bodied and richly flavored, with intense notes of cassis, blackberry, and black cherry. Subtle hints of licorice, woodsmoke, and cigar box spice enhance its complexity. It has a balanced acidity, firm tannins, and a spicy touch from the Cabernet Sauvignon.
What foods pair well with this wine?
This Red Blend pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as grilled red meats, barbecued ribs, and robust charcuterie. It also complements rich cheeses and dishes featuring earthy or smoky flavors.
How should this wine be served?
To fully appreciate its aromas and flavors, it is recommended to open the bottle about 30 minutes before serving. Decanting is optional but can enhance the experience. Serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F) for optimal enjoyment.
What is the history of Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya?
The winery is a collaboration between the Etchart family, winemaking pioneers in Salta since the 1850s, and world-renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland. Together, they have created wines that showcase the region's exceptional high-altitude terroir and winemaking expertise.
What is the alcohol content of the wine?
The San Pedro de Yacochuya Red Blend has an alcohol content of approximately 15%, giving it a bold and robust character.
Is this wine suitable for aging?
Yes, the wine's tannic structure and the aging process in French oak contribute to its ability to develop further complexity over several years, making it a great candidate for cellaring.
