This is Bodega Urqo’s most accessible Malbec, all fruit from their own Tupungato vineyards. The name refers to the railway sleepers that line the vineyards.
Classic Uco Valley Malbec and extraordinary value. Its source vineyards very much shape the wine, in its graphite nose, gentle floral notes, over a serious palate rich in minerals, iron and structure. A seriously foodie Malbec from serious vineyard.
Not far from the mountain town of Tupungato, the Urquia family have invested in 300 hectares of desert soils shadowed by the immensity of the Argentine Andes. The winery's name, Urqo, elegantly merges the family's surname and the Uco Valley. Urqo's vineyards spread across Los Chacayes and Tupungato districts and benefit from this raw exposure. The high UV and the mean, sandy soils of the desert environment are ideal for producing characterful fruit. The bodega itself is minimalist, a clean white structure designed, in simple terms, to best convey the essence of these grapes.
The wine labels reflect owner Loli Urquia's deep respect for the earth's natural energies. Alongside young Uruguayan winemaker Leo Pisano, the small team are overseen by the consultative presence of affable local legend Daniel Pi. Their collaborative efforts yield wines with the aromatic purity of the Andean air and a pronounced mineral quality. This energy and perfume belies the austerity in which they are grown.
100% Tupungato fruit on deep sandy soils shot with a seam of limestone. Tiny blob of oak. Named for the railways sleepers (durmientes) that line the vineyard.
Ribeye steak, homemade cheeseburgers, grilled peppers and goat cheese.