Chakana Ayni Malbec 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The Pelizzatti family can trace their winemaking roots back to 19th century Italy, so it’s only fitting that in 2002 they founded a new estate in Agrelo in Argentina's top wine region of Mendoza. In total the property has 120 hectares of vines with some particularly prized plots in the high altitude Uco Valley where conditions are ideal for premium winemaking. Recently, the Pelizzattis have embraced both organic and biodynamic winemaking practices, avoiding the use of chemical additives as much as possible in their vineyards and winery. This commitment to working in harmony with nature is evident in this delicious Malbec cuvee which is named “Ayni” after the indigenous Quechua word for the principle of reciprocity. The fruit for this wine is sourced from Chakana’s Paraje Altamira vineyard in the Uco Valley which sits at 1000 metres above sea level. This helps to produce ripe and very concentrated grapes which are fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks and then aged in large oak foudres for 12 months. Bursting with wild berries, dark plums and ripe cassis, this robust yet smooth Malbec is great for serving alongside a ribeye steak, barbecued ribs, or a hearty beef stew.