Item Number: 6095 UPC: 0835603001914

Country: Argentina
Region: Salta Sub Region: Cafayate
Appellation/AVA: Tolombon
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2011
Grape(s): 100% Malbec
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Case Production: 1,500
Alc by Vol(%): 14.3
Total Acidity: 5.36
pH: 3.7
Elevation: 5,576 feet
Oak Regimen: None
Fining: None
Filtration: Light

The Story: Ancient Argentine lore tells the story of a mystical elf named Coquena who lives in the high mountains of Salta province and protects the vicuñes, animals native to the Andes that are prized for their wool. The locals will tell you that Coquena is all-seeing – he travels at night fiercely protecting his animals against anyone who sets out to do them harm. High up in these same mountains, in the town of Tolombón sits a vineyard at 5,576 feet above sea level where the grapes for Coquena wine come from. The vines from this farm consistently produce such lush, well-balanced wines that the Etchart family believes the Coquena’s day job is to keep an eye on the vines that bear his name. Coquena wines are produced by Arnaldo, Marcos and Pablo Etchart, the sons of Arnaldo B. Etchart, one of the great wine pioneers of Salta Province. They believe that great wine comes from great grapes and give special care to their low-yielding vineyards to create unique, truly pleasurable wines.

Tasting Notes: Coquena Malbec is sourced from high altitude Malbec vines from the Tolombon Estate, just seven miles south of Cafayate. The yields are dramatically limited by the extreme conditions. The wine has just a light touch of oak from aging in previously used oak casks. The black fruit and plum flavors are dense and ripe. The body is medium with good structure and spicy fruit flavors that linger in the mouth. Great with cumin-scented meats and grilled chicken.