‘Argentina is displaying Cabernet Franc, each single varietal variations and blended with Malbec, like no different county does,’ feedback Paz Levinson, DWWA Regional Chair for Argentina, in a 2020 decanter.com interview.
And simply two years on, outcomes from the latest 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards level to this selection’s promise, notably in Mendoza, with 4 varietal Cabernet Francs awarded 97 factors, together with many extra Gold and Silver medals.
Cabernet Franc from Argentina is, explains Levinson, ‘like a mix of Anjou and St-Emilion with the issue of altitude, leading to very expressive wines on the nostril, stuffed with spices and bell pepper, and on the palate very contemporary, with chalky tannins however with physique and weight.’
Scroll right down to see the top-scoring Mendoza Cabernet Franc wines from DWWA 2022
On the 2022 outcomes, DWWA Co-Chair Andrew Jefford provides: ‘The looks of two completely different Cabernet Franc wines within the Greatest in Present choice underscores the seriousness with which this selection is now regarded away from its Bordeaux and Loire heartlands.’
A range with rising worldwide focus, and a area with standout success within the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards: uncover under a choice of high Mendoza Cabernet Franc wines to get pleasure from…
Mendoza: Cabernet Franc focus
Pacheco Pereda, Estirpe Natural Fairtrade, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo 2021
97 Worth Greatest in Present
pachecopereda.com
The looks of two completely different Cabernet Franc wines within the DWWA Greatest in Present choice this yr underscores the seriousness with which this selection is now being regarded away from its Bordeaux and Loire valley heartlands. This Worth Greatest in Present model from Agrelo delivers, as you’d count on, extravagant fruit pleasure. It’s darkish black-red in color, with heat, sweetly pippy scents effervescent from the glass. Within the mouth, it’s a easy flood of soppy, vibrant raspberry and damson fruits which, regardless of the gentleness of each its acidity and its tannins, nonetheless contrives to offer the drinker a way of texture, amplitude – and satisfaction. A way of gravity, too, lifts these fruit flavours effectively away from simplicity: one other Franc hallmark? You determine. Alcohol 14%
El Enemigo, Gran Enemigo, El Cepillo, San Carlos 2018
97 Platinum
enemigowines.com
Fairly and alluring on the nostril with attractive aromas of floral violet, cassis and accomplished with a lifted, delicate liquorice observe. The palate is graced with deep herb, pepper, crunchy purple fruit and swish, silky tannins. Alc 14%
Los Helechos, Designado, Vista Flores, Tunuyán 2019
97 Platinum
bodegaloshelechos.com.ar
Lifted, floral and vivid, with very fairly aromatics of heady violet, inexperienced pepper and balsamic, then on to an opulent palate textured with crunchy purple fruit, elegant tart fruit, succulent tannins and centered, swish tannins. Alc 14.4%
Zorzal, Gran Terroir, Gualtallary, Tupungato 2021
97 Platinum
POA Hallgarten Wines
Restrained, elegant and perfumed, with lovely aromatics of purple pepper, a natural elevate, pure purple fruit and a stunning floral observe. Then to a palate graced with plush, concentrated fruit, supple, silky tannins and fairly, contemporary acidity. Superb ageing potential. Alc 14.3%
Trivento, Golden Reserve Black Collection, Paraje Altamira 2019
96 Gold
trivento.com
Perfumed and alluring, with a gorgeous fragrant nostril of scented violet, cassis, darkish plum, liquorice and pepper, then to a palate of clove spice, blackberry, cassis and tobacco. Alc 14.5%
Fabre Montmayou, Reserva 2021
95 Worth Gold
fabremontmayou.com
Darkish and brooding, with plush aromas of darkish fruit and black spice, whereas the palate is laced with earthy fruit and swish, rolling tannins. Alc 14.5%
Zuccardi, Brazos, Uco Valley 2021
95 Worth Gold
POA Hatch Mansfield
Lifted and floral on the nostril, with hints of peppery, plush fruit, then on to a palate of silky easy tannins and luxurious, contemporary fruit. Alc 14%
Bodegas Bianchi, Specific 2019
94 Silver
US$32-$36 67 Wine, JC Wine & Spirits
Beautiful, concentrated nostril of jammy fruit and candy spice; palate of purple fruit, mint and tight tannins. Alc 14.6%
Familia Innocenti, Angulo Innocenti, La Consulta 2019
93 Silver
anguloinnocenti.com
Aromatic and alluring nostril of herb, inexperienced pepper and dried flowers; palate of dried fig, incense and candied purple fruit. Alc 14.5%
Salentein, Numina, Uco Valley 2020
93 Silver
bodegasalentein.com
Fairly, inviting fragrant fruit on the nostril, racy fruit and textured tannins on the palate. Alc 15%
Antucura, Barrandica, Vista Flores, Tunuyán 2021
92 Silver
antucura.com
Restrained and chic on the nostril, with hints of violet and darkish fruit; palate of beneficiant fruit and silky tannins. Alc 13.5%
Bodega Norton, Altura, Uco Valley 2020
92 Silver
POA Berkmann
Beneficiant aromas of cocoa powder and roasted coconut, then a palate of vibrant fruit and vivid acidity. Alc 14.5%
Clos de Chacras, Memorias de Ida La Estratega 2018
92 Silver
closdechacras.com.ar
Inviting, with hints of redcurrant, cassis, tobacco and cedar on the nostril, liquorice, prune and polished tannins on the palate. Alc 14.8%
Huentala, Gran Sombrero, Uco Valley 2021
92 Silver
huentalawines.com
Inviting nostril of vivid, clear fruit, then a palate of blackcurrant, herb, pencil shavings and supple tannins. Alc 14.4%
La Celia, Pioneer, La Consulta, Uco Valley 2018
92 Silver
laceliawines.com
Beneficiant aromatics of toasty, smoked fruit resulting in a palate underpinned with succulent tannins. Alc 14%
