Las Estelas Leticia Malbec Del Valle

Estela Perinetti and her wines known as Las Estelas. Estela was one of the first of South America’s rapidly growing family of women winemakers. She spent more than two decades heading up some of Catena’s most high-profile winery projects and she has been very much in demand as one of Mendoza’s leading consultants since. Las Estelas is her baby!

The story begins in the early 1940s when Estela’s grandfather, Dr. Hector Perinetti, son of an immigrant from Piedmont, purchased a piece of land in Tupungato and planted Semillon. (At that time this area was considered too cold for red grapes!) When aged just two years old his eldest son, Hector Junior, named the vineyard – Finca Mangato.

As these vines became old and increasingly non-viable in the 1990s, Estela and her mother – Estela Armando, also a winemaker! – decided to grub up the Semillon to plant red varietals such as Malbec, the Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, and Merlot and Syrah, and these vines form the basis of Las Estelas today. A little Chardonnay is also planted, watch this space.

Production

Leticia, which means Joy in Latin, is the name of one of winemaker Estela Perinetti’s Daughters, with the range inspired by her frank and genuine laugh and her refreshing gaze.

Grapes come from Finca Mangato vines planted in 2007 in El Paral, Tupungato at 1,200 metres above sea level, planted on shallow sandy-loam soils.

Malbec is co-fermented with 8% Syrah at 25C in concrete vats using indigenous yeasts for 10 days.

30% of the wine is aged in second use French oak barrels for 6 months.

Tasting Notes

Expertly crafted from the finest Malbec grapes grown in the fertile Uco Valley, Finca Mangato ‘Leticia’ Malbec del Valle bursts with vibrant flavours of cherry, brambles, and plums. In the mouth the structure is tidy and precise with perfectly integrated tannins and a delicious, long finish reminiscent of those same dark fruits.

With its fresh and fruity taste, this cheerful wine is the perfect accompaniment to red meats such as lamb, venison, and chargrilled steaks. Elevate your dining experience with this delightful Malbec.