Deep ruby color; black cherry, plum, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, dark olives, oak, vanilla, violets, spice, earth on the nose and palate.
Dry; mild, creamy tannins; amiable acidity. Medium-plus body. Blend of 80% malbec, 20% syrah. Hand-picked into small crates, double manual selection in cooling room. Maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged eight months in used French oak barrels. Estate wines estate bottled. Ramiro Balliro was the winemaker. 14% ABV
Established in 2005, Bodega DiamAndes is the confluence of high altitude Argentine terroir and the experience of the Bonnie family, owners of prestigious Bordeaux estates, including Château Malartic-Lagravière (Grand Cru Classe de Graves) and Château Gazin Rocquencourt in Pessac-Léognan. The Argentine estate rests in the heart of Clos de los Siete in Valle de Uco. It includes 321 acres at 2,600 feet above sea level. The operation emphasizes sustainable viticulture and environmental stewardship, pursuing organic conversion since 2019 and organic certification in 2022. DieAndes are certified sustainable and vegan. The winery is engineered completely gravity flow; there is no pumping or other harsh treatment of the juice. Wine finished in 64 small thermo-regulated stainless steel vats with double-cap system.
Bodega DiamAndes particularly celebrates it terroir: “Bodega DiamAndes benefits from multiple geographical factors which determine the natural quality of its grapes. These factors include a temperate, dry climate with low annual rainfall. Bodega DiamAndes covers a total area of 130 hectares [321 acres]. At the same time, the altitude of the vineyards at 1100 meters [about 3,000feet] determines low humidity and a pronounced range of temperatures, which favors the concentration of tannins, preservation of natural acidity and aromatic structure in the grapes; a fundamental condition for the production of high-end wines.”
Bodega DiamAndes Perlita Malbec-Syrah, Valle De Uco Mendoza, Argentina 2020 is juicy, velvety, soft tannins, dark fruits. Lingering finish. A malbec-syrah blend can be tricky; Bodega DiamAndes pulls it off nicely, especially at this price point. This is DiamAndes entry-level wine; it punches above its weight.
Pairing—grilled red meats; burgers with minimal seasoning, London broil with herb rub, sirloin strip with rice pilaf, grilled ribeye with minimal seasoning. Venison, venison curry; lamb chops with rosemary and thyme; slow-roasted leg of lamb with garlic and herbs. Roast chicken with root vegetables, grilled chicken thighs with smoky spices, grilled turkey legs with light seasonings, chicken mole. Grilled pork chops with simple herb rub, slow-roasted pork shoulder, pork tenderloin with fruit-based sauce. Grilled portobello mushrooms, eggplant parmesan, roasted acorn squash with savory herbs, lentil-based dishes with rich spices. Cheese—unusual for a red, pairs well with blue cheeses, gorgonzola, stilton, cashel blue, rogue smokey blue; aged cheddar; manchego, asiago, parmigiano-reggiano, caciotta toscana; smoked gouda, provolone, Monterey jack. $13-15
