Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva 2018

To understand Malbec, you need to discover Argentina.

That is exactly what Hervé Joyaux Fabre experienced when he first arrived in Argentina in the 1990s. From a long line of Bordeaux negotiants, he wanted to explore new territory and opportunities. When he saw the abandoned high elevation, old vine vineyards that needed love, care and revitalizing, he jumped at the chance to make his own style of wine. Bordeaux inspired Argentinian wine. From small beginnings of 37 acres grew to 217 in Mendoza and 122 in Patagonia over the next few decades. The wines are all estate grown, old vine, farmed traditionally without any chemicals or herbicides, fermented with indigenous yeasts. This Gran Reserva is from Vistalba, one of the highest altitude areas of Lujan de Cuyo at 1,050 meters. These vines were planted over 60 years ago by European settles who saw the potential of its altitude and silty soils. Aged for 12 months in 60% French oak.

Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2018

Deep ruby color with violet undertones. Ripe fruit aromas of black currant, blackberry, blueberry jam, black cherry, vanilla, clove, chocolate, graphite, savory coconut, fresh tobacco leaves and smoke. Generous on the palate with fresh acidity and rich ripe black fruit flavors with hints of violet and spice. Firm tannins stand at attention are balanced with the generous ripe fruit flavors with a concentrated spice black fruit finish. A silky full bodied wine that’s poised, lovely.

Bison burgers? Yes. Savory sage and thyme rubbed spatchcocked chicken? Yes. Aged cheddar and gouda.