Description

Recently we received sample bottles of a captivating Cabernet Franc and stunning Malbec produced by the boutique, award winning estate Bodega SuperUco under its “Calcareo” label which is specifically designed to showcase the chalky, limestone-rich (calcareous) terroirs of the Los Chacayes sub-region of the high-altitude Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina.

Established by the Michelini brothers in 2011,  SuperUco  is known for its avant-garde, bio-dynamic and organic practices, and low intervention winemaking.   Their ultimate objective is to allow for the true expression of the Los Chacayes’ terroir.  Here are the noteworthy bullet points!

• The estate’s two-hectare vineyard is planted on each vine’s own root stock at high elevations up to 4,600 feet above sea level in a combination of volcanic and limestone soils.
• Extreme diurnal range of temperatures (daytime highs vs. nighttime lows) encourages ripeness but emphasizes freshness and higher acidity.
• Concentric circle vineyard design provides uniform sun exposure from every angle throughout the day.
• Tight and competitive one meter spacing between vines and rows results in low yields averaging two tons per acre.
• No machinery.  All farming and harvest are performed by hand and animal.
• No synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
• The native Jarilla (hah-REE-yah) bush contributes an aromatic “garrigue” mix of wild thyme, rosemary, damp pine needles, and tea leaves.
• Indigenous yeast and concrete egg/neutral oak barrel fermentations.
• Large neutral oak barrel aging.

2022 SuperUco Calareo Malbec is not the ubiquitous jammy-oak rendition!  Rather the well delineated, bright blackberry fruit is lifted by refreshing acidity and mingled with floral, savory, and dark spice scents. Crunchy!  Crushed stone and chalky minerality are noted on the long trailing finish.

James Suckling 93 points.