Viñalba ‘Cuvée Diane’ 2021/22, Mendoza

Hervé J Fabre was the first winemaker in Argentina to create single-variety Malbec wines. That’s not to say he doesn’t still champion other grape varieties that thrive in Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards. His winemaking philosophy is very much one of minimal intervention, aiming to create powerful-yet-elegant, fruit-forward wines. His innovation and skill has won him countless medals and 20 major international trophies. Cuvée Diane is named after Hervé’s wife. It’s complex, elegant and embodies the very best of Viñalba. It has delicate and fresh aromas of liquorice, vanilla and a touch of mint. Cabernet Franc shows itself with notes of ripe dark cherry. 18 months of French oak ageing adds roundness and vanilla spice. Venison in a berry sauce will pair beautifully with its jammy dark fruit and silky tannins.