Aluvia Gualtallary Cabernet Franc 2022 is a refined and expressive red wine from Gualtallary in Mendoza’s prestigious Uco Valley, showcasing the distinctive character of high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Franc. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc, it reflects the unique terroir of Gualtallary, where cool days, cold nights, poor alluvial soils, limestone, and calcareous stones contribute to wines with remarkable freshness, precision, and structure. The 2022 vintage combines vibrant red fruit with aromatic spice, subtle herbal character, firm yet polished tannins, and a refreshing mineral edge, offering a contemporary and elegant expression of Cabernet Franc.
Deep ruby to purple in color, it opens with expressive aromas of ripe red cherries, blackberries, cassis, and red plum, complemented by distinctive notes of black pepper, paprika, fresh herbs, and delicate floral nuances. Subtle hints of graphite, bay leaf, tobacco, and gentle spice add further complexity, while a refined mineral character reflects the limestone-rich soils of Gualtallary. The aromatic profile is vibrant and precise, combining the freshness of high-altitude fruit with the characteristic herbal and spicy personality of Cabernet Franc.
On the palate, Aluvia Gualtallary Cabernet Franc is elegant, focused, and beautifully balanced, revealing layers of red cherry, blackberry, cassis, red plum, and subtle dark fruit. Lively acidity provides freshness and energy, while firm, fine-grained tannins give the wine structure and definition. Distinctive notes of black pepper, bay leaf, fresh herbs, graphite, and chalky minerality add depth and complexity, supported by restrained French oak from 16 months of ageing in second- and third-use barrels. The texture is smooth and refined, with a dynamic balance between fruit, spice, freshness, tannin, and mineral character.
The finish is long, fresh, and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of red cherry, blackberry, cassis, black pepper, fresh herbs, graphite, subtle tobacco, and fine mineral nuances. Its combination of expressive fruit, vibrant acidity, polished tannins, restrained oak, and distinctive high-altitude minerality makes Aluvia Gualtallary Cabernet Franc an excellent choice for those seeking an elegant, terroir-driven Argentine red wine. Its refined structure and freshness allow it to be enjoyed in its youth while offering the balance and complexity for further development in bottle.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with grilled beef, Argentine-style barbecue, lamb, venison, roast duck, grilled sausages, roasted pork, herb-crusted meats, mushroom dishes, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews. Its firm tannins and vibrant acidity make it particularly well suited to grilled and roasted meats, while its herbal, peppery, and mineral character complements dishes featuring rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and earthy ingredients. It also pairs wonderfully with mature hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Manchego, and aged Gouda.
Serving Suggestion: Best served at approximately 16–18°C. Allow the wine to breathe for 20–30 minutes before serving, or decant a younger bottle to encourage its layers of red and black fruit, floral aromas, herbs, spice, and mineral character to develop. Serve in a large red wine glass to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity, refined texture, firm tannins, and distinctive Gualtallary character.
ALMAVIVA 'EPU' R 2020 
