About this WINE
Dominio del Plata
In 1999, after working more than 20 years as a consultant winemaker and building a reputation as the person to ask on any issue relating to Argentinian wine, Susana Balbo decided to realize a life-time’s ambition by building Dominio del Plata in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.
Her aim has been to demonstrate the vinous diversity inherent in Argentina’s fertile soils, this example being an excellent case in point.
Undaunted by the frighteningly onomatopoeically tannic reputation of Tannat, the south-west France stalwart which often produces wines which are best accompanied by an indulgent cassoulet or wild boar, Susana has produced this excellent wine which, by Tannat standards at least, is relatively approachable.
Her vines are planted at altitude in the Alto Ugarteche enclave of Luján de Cuyo all on ungrafted rootstocks. The wine is matured for 9 months in 50 % French and 50% American oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tannat
Tannat is best known as the dominant grape variety in Madiran, Southwest France's most famous red wine. The grape probably originated in the Basque country and almost certainly derives its French name from its high tannin levels. It is a thick-skinned grape variety that produces deeply coloured, well-structured wines that can be tough and austere in youth. However with ageing the massive tannins round out while the wine develops nuances of spices, coffee, cocoa, and vanilla.
In Madiran it is blended (typically 60-70%) with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Fer. The only other country where Tannat is seriously grown is Uruguay, where it was planted by Basque settlers in the 19th century. It is known as Harriague in Uruguay and recently plantings have spread over the border into Argentina.
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Description
The gifted Susana Balbo is not daunted by the frighteningly onomatopoeically tannic reputation of Tannat, stalwart of South West France and often producing wines which are best accompanied by an indulgent cassoulet or wild boar. Her vines are planted at altitude in the Alto Ugarteche enclave of Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza, all on ungrafted rootstocks. The wine is matured for 9 months in 50 % French and 50% American oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Dark ruby colour with deep and brilliant purple nuances, highly concentrated with notes of black cherries, blackberries, red and black currant and hints of spices. The characteristic black fruit flavours are echoed on the palate and joined by whispers of dark chocolate. The fleshy and vibrant tannins give the wine a beautiful structure and lead to an intense lingering and fresh finish. User-friendly Tannat, in other words, and extremely good.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
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