La Madrugada blend 2021

La Madrugada is the brainchild of four friends: Bob, Johan, Olivier, and Tom, who started their project in 2017 in the high-altitude Uco Valley in Argentina. A micro-project where they make their dream come true: producing their own wine.

In the glass, this wine reveals its warm and southern origins. Its very intense cherry-red color and thick, colored tears even show hints of purple, reflecting the warmth and ripeness of the fruit. The nose offers a wealth of aromas and aromatic families, with a focus on young, crunchy black fruit, with notes of blackberry, blueberry, plum, amarena cherry, and brandied cherries. After swirling, this blend reveals deeper layers with a soft spicy touch of white pepper, as well as cedar and ripe red bell pepper.

On the palate, the wine starts firmly, supported by a solid tannic structure. The slightly higher alcohol level is nicely balanced by acidity, creating a beautiful harmony among all elements. The slightly longer finish is a sign of quality and the potential for La Madrugada in the future. Serve this wine at 16°C in your finest glassware, preferably elegant and tulip-shaped. It pairs well with rich and complex dishes; my spontaneous suggestion is braised veal cheeks, slow-cooked and served with young sweet carrots and a foamy green pepper jus, enhancing the wine’s spiciness.

Despite its youth, this vintage can already be enjoyed, though cellar aging will further integrate and harmonize the wine. Drink within 7 years.

Estate: La Madrugada
Grapes: 70% cabernet franc, 30% merlot
Country: Argentina
Region: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza – 1058 MASL
Soil: alluvial, sand, clay
Aging: 19 months in used French oak
Bottles produced: 600
Wine style: powerful red
Serving temperature: 16°C – decanting recommended when young
Food pairing: braised veal cheeks with green pepper, dry-aged roasted beef, venison calf
Cellaring: < 7 years
Volume: 75 cl