ARGENTINA F R A N Ç O S L U R T O N

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "ARGENTINA F R A N Ç O S L U R T O N"

Griselda Glenn
5 years ago
Views:

F R A N Ç O ARGENTINA I S L U R T O N François Lurton epresenting the 5 th

business in 1988 firstly with his brother Jacques.

in 4 countries; Argentina (Alto Uco Valley, Mendoza) since 1996, Chile (Lolol,

2 F R A N Ç O ARGENTINA I S L U R T O N François Lurton epresenting the 5 th generation of the Bordeaux Lurton Family, François Lurton set up his own business in 1988 firstly with his brother Jacques. Today he runs the company single-handedly and owns and produces wines in estates in 4 countries; Argentina (Alto Uco Valley, Mendoza) since 1996, Chile (Lolol, Colchagua Valley) since 1999, France (Languedoc-Roussillon since 2001) and Spain (Rueda/Castilla y Leon & Toro) since 2002.

BODEGA PIEDRA NEGRA rançois and his brother Jacques started making wine in Argentina as far back as 1992.

Although nothing more than a semi-desert at the time they were the very first to recognise the potential of this area for vinegrowing ; the quality of the terroir, the virgin lands set in altitude,

4 BODEGA PIEDRA NEGRA rançois and his brother Jacques started making wine in Argentina as far back as After much searching they found what they were looking for in the Alta Uco Valley an area of majestic natural beauty in the foothills of the Andes. Although nothing more than a semi-desert at the time they were the very first to recognise the potential of this area for vinegrowing ; the quality of the terroir, the virgin lands set in altitude, the continental climate and the presence of a pure source of underground water coming from melted snow from the Andes Mountains. They analysed the lands and then had their Bordeaux vigneron father, André Lurton to come to confirm their choice. He likened the gravel soils to those of Pessac Léognan, the supreme white wine appellation of Bordeaux and home to the family s Château La Louvière and Couhins Lurton. True pioneers they embarked on the new venture purchasing 200 hectares of the virgin land in 1996.

VINEYARDS Today the Uco Valley is peppered with famous names and has become «the most talked about wine region in Argentina, and arguably the whole of South

In 1996 a modern winery and offices were built as the result of a major investment plan, unusually for Argentina located in the centre of the vineyards, not in

Cultivated for the very first time, they were able to leave this poor, well-drained soil in its natural state: the ph was perfect and no chemical input was

The resultant yields are naturally very low and of extremely high quality.

In the semi-desert environment, irrigation is used to prevent water stress and is managed drop by drop.

5 VINEYARDS Today the Uco Valley is peppered with famous names and has become «the most talked about wine region in Argentina, and arguably the whole of South America.» (Tim Atkin, Decanter Magazine). The yields in these conditions are very low and of extremely high quality. In 1996 a modern winery and offices were built as the result of a major investment plan, unusually for Argentina located in the centre of the vineyards, not in Mendoza one hour and a half s drive away. Cultivated for the very first time, they were able to leave this poor, well-drained soil in its natural state: the ph was perfect and no chemical input was required. The nearby mountains provide it with cool nighttime temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and reach optimal ripeness. The resultant yields are naturally very low and of extremely high quality. High-density planting (4500 vines/hectare) and short pruning are practised to ensure a low yield per vine. In the semi-desert environment, irrigation is used to prevent water stress and is managed drop by drop. A warmer second estate, Finca Barrancas in Maipu (close east side of Mendoza, 900m altitude) was purchased it has 65 hectares of vineyards developed for the production of warmer varieties as Bonarda and Syrah. In 1996 a modern winery and offices were built as the result of a major investment plan, very unusually for Argentina located in the centre of the vineyards, not in Mendoza one hour and a half drive away; much to the amusement of many who laughed at the idea of putting a winery in the middle of the vineyard so far from any main town.

CLIMATE Continental climate (hot and dry in summer, very cold and wet in the winter) with average rainfall of less than 200mm (the vines are fed water from the estates own natural springs through

Wide variations in night and daytime temperatures (10 to 40 C in the summer); lots of sunshine during the day, but as soon as the sun descends the high altitude makes night temperatures fall

6 CLIMATE Continental climate (hot and dry in summer, very cold and wet in the winter) with average rainfall of less than 200mm (the vines are fed water from the estates own natural springs through drip irrigation). Wide variations in night and daytime temperatures (10 to 40 C in the summer); lots of sunshine during the day, but as soon as the sun descends the high altitude makes night temperatures fall dramatically which spreads out the growing season allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. The risk of hail is a continual problem and the vines are protected by nets. LOCATION The estate lies high up in the Alto Uco Valley at an altitude of 1100m literally in the foothills of the Andes which provide a magical backdrop to the vineyards. Whatever the time of year the tips of the mountains are snow-capped. It is in the large Mendoza region, 80 km south-west from the city of Mendoza in the Tunuyan district, near to the town of Vista Flores. TERROIR A combination of sand, granite schist, alluvial deposits and large rounded pudding stones are suitably poor and well draining. VINEYARDS 136 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards planted in the middle 90s now have an average age of almost 15 years and are divided between Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon with a majority of Pinot Gris. MENDOZA

ORGANIC At our estate Chacayes we have started introducing organic techniques.

and stems) which are already organic. This is then applied directly to soil in the vineyards.

of grass and herbs which is eventually mulched into the soil to provide organic matter.

rows - «Intercep» machinery for undervine weed management their home in the vineyards by providing the

. Plant, mineral and cow manurebased preparations are used to help soil fertility and to combat fungal

. We work with the Astronomical Calender (lunar and cosmic movements) to check the correct timing for

7 ORGANIC At our estate Chacayes we have started introducing organic techniques.. To increase the organic matter of the soil we compost all the residues of our grapes (skins, seeds and stems) which are already organic. This is then applied directly to soil in the vineyards.. To replace the use of chemical herbicides we use alternative practices; - Growing sward of a mixture of grass and herbs which is eventually mulched into the soil to provide organic matter. It also gives a home to beneficial insects - Mechanical weed control by ploughing of the alternate rows - «Intercep» machinery for undervine weed management their home in the vineyards by providing the right habitat.. Plant, mineral and cow manurebased preparations are used to help soil fertility and to combat fungal disease and insect attack. These are added to the compost or sprayed directly onto the vineyard.. We work with the Astronomical Calender (lunar and cosmic movements) to check the correct timing for vineyard activities (planting, pruning and spreading compost) and also in the cellar (racking and bottling).. To replace the use of chemical insecticides we use «Intergrated Pest Management» and biological control. We encourage «beneficial insects» to make

SINGLE VINEYARD his super rich concentrated wine comes uniquely from the single vineyard of «Chacayes» (named after a small grey fox found in the vineyards) on our estate.

8 SINGLE VINEYARD his super rich concentrated wine comes uniquely from the single vineyard of «Chacayes» (named after a small grey fox found in the vineyards) on our estate. This wine is made predominantly from Malbec with 15% to 25% of Cabernet Sauvignon. This includes a one hectare parcel of Malbec vines grown at one of the highest density in the world - 20,000 vines per hectare. They produce tiny very concentrated yields of about 1 kg per vine. These vines are grown not in straight lines but in an arched semicircle shape in order to follow the curved daily sunlight. It is referred to as the estate s Bonsai Garden. The first vintage was in The idea of this vineyard is to achieve a very low yield per vine, around 500gr no more, instead of the average 1KG produce in most part of the great vineyard of the world. Concentration of color and tannins which result of such a low yield is huge pts Editors Choice - Wine Enthusiast (May 2013) By Michael SCHACHNER pts - Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar (May 2013) pts - Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar (April 2012) 93 pts - Wine Enthusiast (February 2012) pts - Wine Enthusiast (February 2012) pts - Wine Advocate (December 2008) pts - Wine Enthusiast (May 2010) By Michael SCHACHNER pts Silver Medal Argentina Wine Awards 2008 (February 2008) 94 pts - Wine Advocate (December 2008) 93 pts - Wine Enthusiast (November 2008) By Michael SCHACHNER This wine is the proof that the gamble the brothers had taken in the middle of the 90 was worth it. Very few terroirs in the world can produce such an exceptional wine. When they produce it for the first time in 2002 it was personally very significant for the two brothers, making them much more confident in their choices. «Chacayes is an explosion of original flavours and expressions: its intense garnet red robe envelops a delicate nose of black fruits in typical Malbec style. The wine is fresh and fruity on the palate. Superbly elegant, the acidity is brilliantly balanced with the level of alcohol, enhancing the rich fruitiness. The exceedingly fine tannins merge well with the fruit and are elegantly associated with subtle notes of well-integrated oak.»

This is done by avoiding over-extraction and over-ripeness which were often the case at this time.

9 n the 90 s the Malbec just recovered by the Argentineans was trying to get its lettres de noblesse. The brothers decided as Bordeaux specialists of producing fine wines to try to show how Malbec can develop complex but easy drinking, supple and elegant wines. This is done by avoiding over-extraction and over-ripeness which were often the case at this time. This is how Piedra Negra Malbec was born, sourcing grapes not only from their own vineyard but also from very old vineyards all along the Andes from Tupungato to La Consulta. In 1999 they produced their first Piedra Negra (named after the black foothills of the Andes). Even from the first vintage it was all they hoped it would be, complex, fine and elegant with a purity of flavour. Today this wine has become one of the world s benchmark Malbecs pts Wine Advocate (December 2010) Highly Recommended 16,5/20-4 stars Decanter (June 2010) «By Isabelle LEGERON MW Ripe, spicy and concentradted, but still fresh, not jammy or overly oaky. Some elegance if a little dominated by tannins, but the dense fruit balances out the oak. Long, frech and spicy with appealing charm. ««93 pts Gold Medal Argentina Wine Awards 2011 (February 2010) 91 pts Wine Enthusiast (November 2010) pts Wine Advocate (September 2009) 92 pts Wine Enthusiast (May 2010) By Michael SCHACHNER

Cabernet Sauvignon his is the wine that the brothers first made when they arrived in Argentina in 1992.

But they very quickly discovered the potential of this variety in Argentina and also its originality compared with its usual expression in other vineyards of the world.

10 Cabernet Sauvignon his is the wine that the brothers first made when they arrived in Argentina in They made it reluctantly pushed by their Argentinean associate, not wanting to make any copy of Bordeaux wine but preferring to discover another variety than the very well-known Cabernet Sauvignon. But they very quickly discovered the potential of this variety in Argentina and also its originality compared with its usual expression in other vineyards of the world. Since 1992 they have produced this wine regularly. In 1996 they planted Cabernet Sauvignon in their Finca Chacayes in Vista Flores in order to be able to control the process of production from the start. Today 10 to 15% of Malbec is included to give it even more of an Argentinean character. Today Gran Lurton is one of the most awarded Cabernets from Argentina ( started in 1996 by a gold medal in London) and certainly the most representative of all. Corte Friulano eing a great fan of the white wines of the Friuli region in northern Italy, François wanted to pay tribute to them by creating a wine made from the Friulano grape (previously known as Tokay Friulano). Combining 70% Friulano, vinified and aged on its lees in French oak, with fresh vat fermented Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and a touch of Torrentes, this wine has become a firm favorite. It is a very original wine, crisp, lively and rounded on the palate with an abundance of fruit and flower aromas. Corte Friulano pts Wine Advocate (December 2012) pts Guia Penin (July 2012) Gold Medal, Trophy Argentine Wine Awards 2009 (January 2009) Cabernet Sauvignon pts Guia de Vinos 2012 (December 2012) pts Guia Penin (July 2012) 90 pts Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar

Cabernet Sauvignon Cherry red colour with violet glints.

The Cabernet contributes great structure and density on the palate, which pleasantly and harmoniously combine with

The finish is long, showing the same fruity and spicy aromas balanced with notes of toasted oak.

11 Cabernet Sauvignon Cherry red colour with violet glints. The notes of black fruits such as bilberry and mulberry blend harmoniously with the spicy and mentholated aromas proper to our Finca Chacayes. Ageing in oak barrels gives the wine aromas of tobacco and vanilla, which mingle subtly with the fruity notes. The Cabernet contributes great structure and density on the palate, which pleasantly and harmoniously combine with the softness and velvetiness contributed by the characteristic tannins of Argentinian Malbec. The finish is long, showing the same fruity and spicy aromas balanced with notes of toasted oak. Corte Friulano An intense golden colour with greenish glints. A complex taste with fruity notes such as apple and peach, mixed with white flowers and vanilla. A supple, round, very viscous palate with a nice balance between acidic and sugar tastes. Citrus and fruit notes. des et des sucres. A persistent final.

The grapes for our Reserva wine are carefully selected and the wine is aged in barrel to add toasted and vanilla notes.

13 The Reserve Range is : MALBEC The leading grape variety in Argentina, which finds its most typical expression in this wine. After ageing in oak, the wine is bottled and then placed on the market six months or a year later, so the ageing process can continue. It is a supple, fine and elegant wine. The grapes for our Reserva wine are carefully selected and the wine is aged in barrel to add toasted and vanilla notes. CHARDONNAY We leave this grape to ripen a little longer than usual on the vine. It is then vinified in barrique, adding a touch of creaminess and oak to the intense aromas of citrus fruit and flowers whilst respecting its freshness and the slightly iodised undertones. A wonderful wine that is barrel fermented and represents terrific value for money.

- REDS: a Bonarda, of the Bonarda family from Piedmont. Today this is the most widely planted variety in Argentina. It gives a wine that is not like the deep coloured Italian version.

14 - REDS: a Bonarda, of the Bonarda family from Piedmont. Today this is the most widely planted variety in Argentina. It gives a wine that is not like the deep coloured Italian version. Being very supple and with a great aromatic intensity. A Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety originally from Bordeaux that finds a very different expression here, as it is neither herby nor peppery but very fruity, easy and silky; a Malbec that is rich in colour with silky tannins, extracted during fermentation as there is no ageing in oak; it is a spicy, fruity and rich wine; - WHITES: a wonderfully aromatic Chardonnay, a Torrontes, a typically Argentine grape variety from the Muscat family and a Pinot Gris which is a wonderful aperitif and very versatile food wine. - and a blended ROSE: Bonarda/Malbec or Syrah.

The brief ageing in French oak contributes delicate notes of tobacco and coffee. Very fruity.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Intense ruby red colour.

This wine shows good structure on the palate with ripe tannins and good density. The finish shows notes of morello and vanilla.

It is a brother of the Pinot Grigio of Italy and is a white wine made from red grapes hence its pinkish tones.

On the palate it is rich and rounded with good acidity. BONARDA Deep red-ruby color. Flavors of red fruits and mint.

15 MALBEC Intense ruby red colour. Complex, showing spicy notes such as cardamom and black pepper harmoniously blended with aromas of strawberry and raspberry. The brief ageing in French oak contributes delicate notes of tobacco and coffee. Very fruity. The soft and velvety tannins make this a very pleasant and complex wine with great persistence on the palate. CABERNET SAUVIGNON Intense ruby red colour. Aromas of red fruits and a hint of sweet pepper with subtle fresh notes of French oak such as vanilla and mild tobacco. This wine shows good structure on the palate with ripe tannins and good density. The finish shows notes of morello and vanilla. PINOT GRIS This represents a third of our production in Argentina. Our best-selling wine, it is also a resounding success. It is a brother of the Pinot Grigio of Italy and is a white wine made from red grapes hence its pinkish tones. We are planting more of this variety to meet the growing demand for it. It is a dry wine, with intense aromas of peach and flower blossom. On the palate it is rich and rounded with good acidity. BONARDA Deep red-ruby color. Flavors of red fruits and mint. Silky tannins and a fresh and fruity end. ROSADO Light pink rose petal color. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry and morello Fresh with well-balanced acidity and an intense finish dominated by red fruits. TORRONTES Beautiful green brilliant colour. Flavors of white flowers and Mediterranean fruits as peach. A well-balanced acidity, fresh and pleasant in mouth. Floral and delicious end. CHARDONNAY Intense golden colour. Aromas of tropical fruits such as bananas and mango contrast with the fresh lemon and lime citrus notes. A fresh and pleasant wine on the palate with soft milky notes that add volume and creaminess in the mouth and enhance its acidity.

16 .

VINEYARDS South / West

VINEYARDS South / West . François Lurton epresenting the 5 th generation of the Bordeaux Lurton Family, François Lurton set up his own business in 1988 firstly with his brother Jacques. Today he runs the company single-handedly