After having completed the wine harvest 2009, Luis Villarreal, Chief Winemaker for all wines of Espíritu de Argentina, is highly pleased with the quality of the vintage 2009: Lower yields but higher grape qualities are promising excellent wines.
The winter in the Argentinean wine growing areas was generally mild with only a few cold periods, and the snowfall in the Andes was sufficient to fill up the water reservoirs necessary for irrigation. In some regions, an early frost caused damage to the shoots and resulted in some yield loss. Spring and summer were characterized by hot and dry weather conditions producing some stress to the grapes. From the early start, the clusters of all varietals were loose and the berries small.
As in Chile, the weather conditions made the white grapes ripen faster than usual. However, harvesting early, a careful grape selection, and meticulous fermentation management preserved the critical flavour components and freshness of the grapes. Luis Villarreal is highly satisfied with the ripe and harmonious Chardonnays from Central Mendoza that already display aromas of tropical fruits and peach. 2009 could also represent a memorable harvest for the Torrontés wines, which superbly express their intense aromas and flavors
The growing season 2008/2009 also required some careful vineyard management to reach the full physiological maturity of the red varietals. Intense colours, fruity aromas, and soft tannins particularly distinguish Malbec, Shiraz, and Bonarda; all three varietals were able to benefit significantly from the long and warm summer period.
For Argentina’s signature grape Malbec, the vintage 2009 can turn out be one of the best in many years. The extraordinary duration of sunshine, combined with a high amplitude between day and night temperatures, developed concentrated aromas of ripe fruit like plum, blueberries, and blackberries, and intense, round, and well-structured tannins provide a good Malbec Riserva.
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