Sweetness: Dry

Grape: Malbec

Grape info: Introduced from France in the nineteenth century, Malbec spread to become the most widely planted red varietal in Argentina. Deeply coloured and capable of producing intensely flavoured, aromatic wines with savoury notes, medium tannins and good aging potential.

About: In 1925, Rutini became the first winery to plant vines in the Uco Valley, which today is world-renowned as one of the top wine-producing regions in Mendoza and all of Argentina. Rutini has 400 hectares of vineyards at altitudes ranging between 1,050 and 1,200 meters above sea level. The Cruz Alta range honours the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes in the winery and among the vines. Their names may not be on the bottles, but without these people Cruz Alta would not be possible.

Hand harvested from old vines and matured in a mix of American and French oak for nine months before a further period of bottle aging and release.

Tasting note: The Grand Reserva offers a more complex palate capable of taking on your Christmas blue cheese selection.

Character: Plum, dark chocolate, tobacco.