Cheval des Andes 2019

A complex, delicate and fine Argentinian wine

The estate

The story of Cheval des Andes commenced twenty years ago, following the initiative of Pierre Lurton. By combining the know-how of the iconic Château Cheval Blanc, managed by Pierre Lurton, with the terroir of Las Compuertas, located in the Mendoza region, the idea to produce one of the finest Argentine wines by paying tribute to Malbec and the art of the Bordeaux blend emerged. Today, Cheval des Andes de Cheval Blanc & Terrazas de Los Andes brilliantly reflects the desire of the pioneers involved in its creation. Thus giving rise to fine Andean wines that boast a unique character.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Cheval des Andes covers 46 hectares and has two complementary terroirs. Located at an altitude of 1070 metres, the historic vineyard of Las Compuertas is situated on the left bank of the Rio Mendoza river. Old Malbec vines planted in 1929 bring richness and complexity, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. To the south, the Altamira vineyard is located at an altitude of 1150 metres. In this cooler area, 14 hectares of vines are planted with Malbec vines dating from 1945. Due to the higher altitude and the large temperature variations between night and day, the grapes have very fine tannins with a pleasant freshness and floral notes, giving rise to very great Mendoza wines.

The vintage

The beginning of the vegetative cycle was marked by an early budburst. A wet spring preceded a summer marked by three heatwaves. Subsequently, milder conditions with ideal temperature variations led to the harvesting of high-quality grapes.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are meticulously transported to the winery in crates protected by thermal covers and placed in a cold room. A rigorous sorting is carried out by hand before starting the vinification process. The oak barrels used are 80% French but also from Austrian, Slovenian and German oak. The wine is aged 40% in 225-litre barrels, 40% in 400-litre barrels and 20% in 2,500-litre tuns, 50% of which are new oak.

The blend

Malbec (50%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (50%).

Cheval Blanc & Terrazas de Los Andes 2019: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

A brilliant ruby red colour with garnet highlights.

Nose

The complex nose blends fruity (red fruits, cherries, redcurrants, plums) and floral (violet, lavender) fragrances with delectable notes of vanilla, cedar and liquorice due to the ageing in barrels.

Palate

Freshness, elegant tannins, precision and balance.

Cellaring

While this Mendoza red wine offers an alluring freshness in its youth, it gains in complexity and aromatic richness over the years of cellaring.