Karim Mussi, Altocedro, Año Cero Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the second most planted varietal (after Malbec) in El Cepillo, La Consulta in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. These grapes were selected from 30-year-old vines. Entire berry fermentation takes place in small concrete vats, over 7 days at 25C, with four pump overs a day. It undergoes malolactic fermentation and 30% is aged for 8-10 months in American oak. It has a complex, racy, mulled spice, crushed red and black cherry fruits taste with well-integrated tannins and good length. A great example of quality Tempranillo produced outside its Spanish homeland from one of Argentina’s best winemakers. BTW, Altocedro = tall cedar, which represents Karim Mussi Saffie’s Lebanese-Argentine heritage, and a cedar tree which towers over the winery.