Winemaker Santiago Mayorga Harmonizes Malbec and Cabernet Franc to Showcase the Art of Blending in Argentina’s First Growing Area, Lujan de Cuyo
NEW YORK, NY (October 27, 2016) — Nieto Senetiner has just released the first wine in their limited edition “Blend Collection,” a Malbec-Cabernet Franc that represents an experimental blend of 60% Malbec with 40% Cabernet Franc. Historically known for elegant, single varietal wines such as Malbec and Bonarda, Nieto Senetiner is one of a vanguard of Argentine wineries blending alternative cultivars with classic Malbec. The “Blend Collection” will consist of one wine each year, with quantities ranging from 500 to 2,000 cases.
“Malbec is so important to us, but we’re also excited about showing other emerging varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot,” states Winemaker Santiago Mayorga of Nieto Senetiner. “For us, the key is knowing when to pick, and then how to micro-vinify select vineyards to get the best of each type as we receive the grapes. And while we have a much longer history of chasing innovation with Malbec, Cabernet Franc has been a revelation for our team in terms of realizing beautiful quality and balancing our riper, Malbec fruit with freshness and herbal notes.”
Tasting Notes: 2014 Nieto Senetiner “Blend Collection” Malbec-Cabernet Franc is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Franc, sourced from low-yielding estate vineyards in Alto Agrelo and Lujan de Cuyo. The wine is intensely red with violet nuances. On the nose it presents notes of blackberries, spices and some mineral touches. Aged for 10 months in French and American 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels, the oak notes are perfectly integrated with the wine, providing it with complexity and a subtle sweetness. On the palate, the body is full, velvety and with a persistent finish. (Winemaker Santiago Mayorga)
About Nieto Senetiner
Nieto Senetiner was founded in 1888 by the first wave of Italian immigrants to Vistalba, the premier growing area of Lujan de Cuyo. Don Nicanor Nieto joined forces with his son-in-law Adriano Senetiner in the 1960s to purchase the historic “Villa Blanca” winery in Vistalba, renaming the venture Nieto Senetiner. In 1998, Grupo de Negocios de Molinos Rios, Argentina’s most prominent food and beverage company, acquired the winery. Today, Nieto Senetiner encompasses 700 acres of estate vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo: 100 acres planted in 1900 at Vistalba; 400 acres planted in Agrelo in 1974; and 200 acres planted in 2006 in Alto Agrelo. Considered one of the top Argentine winemakers of his generation, Winemaker Santiago Mayorga pursues a tiered approach to produce a range of quality from entry-level Malbec to Don Nicanor Barrel Select. For more information: www.nietosenetiner.com
