Winery / Producer: Anaia Wines.

Specific Origin: Agrelo vineyard, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. One of the best areas on the continent for the balanced ripening of high-quality red grape varieties.

Vintage: 2022.

Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc.

Soil and Altitude: Grown at 960 meters above sea level in sandy-loam soils with a deep presence of alluvial stones that promote concentration and finesse of tannins.

Vinification and Noble Aging: Selective manual harvest. Careful fermentation in state-of-the-art vats with balanced aging aimed at preserving the aromatic clarity of the varietal and polishing the smoothness on the palate.

Style: Structured premium red, distinctly spicy, fresh, elegant, and with excellent phenolic persistence.

Capacity: 750 ml bottle.

SKU: ARG-ANAIA-CABFRANC-2022-750

Appearance: Presents an attractive intense ruby red color with brilliant crimson reflections of medium-high intensity, clean, extremely lively, and with fine tears that descend with elegant slowness down the glass.

Nose: High intensity, very fine, clean, and of great varietal complexity. Displays clear notes of ripe red fruits (currants, cherries), elegantly intertwined with spicy aromas of black pepper, roasted red bell pepper, subtle hints of licorice, eucalyptus leaves, and a sophisticated mineral background characteristic of Agrelo's calcareous soils.

Palate: Its entry is firm, fresh, and full of presence. On the palate, it shows great balance and medium-high body; its tannins are ripe, fine, and with a very elegant silky texture. It has impeccable natural acidity that gives it tension and vivacity, extending its passage to a long, dry, extremely clean finish, full of a balsamic and spicy aftertaste.

Signature Gastronomic Pairing: The magnificent structure, fresh acidity, and pyrazine notes of Anaia Cabernet Franc 2022 make it an extraordinarily versatile wine for high-level gastronomy. It is a perfect pairing for lean or medium-rare grilled cuts of meat such as skirt steak, flank steak, hanger steak, or beef tenderloin. It harmonizes celestially with small game meats like oven-roasted rabbit, duck with red fruit sauces, or lamb chops with a fine herb crust. It is a stellar accompaniment for pasta stuffed with wild mushrooms or black truffle, classic Bolognese lasagna, and creamy rice dishes with smoked sausages. Likewise, it perfectly complements aged cheeses (such as Manchego or Gruyère) and artisanal cured meats. In high-end Mexican cuisine, it masterfully envelops complex dishes such as chiles en nogada, stews with spicy dried chilies, and wood-fired picanha tacos.

Suggested Moments:

• High-End Business Lunches and Dinners: Offering a premium Cabernet Franc from Agrelo denotes great oenological knowledge and excellent contemporary taste, ideal for breaking the ice and securing significant business deals.
• Gourmet Weekend Barbecue: Completely transforms the classic barbecue by bringing this bottle to the grill; its natural freshness and firm tannins balance the juiciness of grilled meats, enhancing smoked aromas.
• Festive Family Meal: The perfect label to grace the Sunday table or intimate family celebrations, a red wine with character yet exquisitely balanced that delights all diners.
• Distinguished Gift for Oenophiles: An extraordinary gift for sommeliers or wine enthusiasts who appreciate the rise and immense sophistication of Argentine Cabernet Franc crafted with modern approaches.
• Summer Evenings in Select Cellars and Terraces: A red wine with such vibrant and clean acidity that it is ideal to enjoy slightly chilled (between 14°C and 15°C) on exclusive summer nights outdoors with a fine cheese and cold cuts board.

What attributes does the Agrelo region impart to this Cabernet Franc?

Agrelo is considered one of the noblest micro-regions of Luján de Cuyo. Its altitude of 960 meters combined with a marked thermal amplitude allows Cabernet Franc to ripen slowly and completely. This allows it to develop its characteristic descriptors of roasted red bell pepper, pepper, and red fruits in a balanced way, while maintaining magnificent natural acidity that provides freshness and structural tension to the wine.

What kind of aromatic descriptors can be expected from this premium Cabernet Franc?

Being a Cabernet Franc grape magnificently vinified by Anaia Wines, on the nose it displays very clean and sharp notes of fresh red fruits combined with herbaceous and spicy touches, such as sweet red bell pepper, black peppercorns, and subtle balsamic undertones (eucalyptus). Unlike older heavy styles, the freshness of the fruit and aromatic elegance predominate here.

Is it recommended to decant Anaia Cabernet Franc 2022 before consuming?

Yes, it is advisable to uncork the bottle 15 to 20 minutes before serving or to let it aerate directly in the tasting glass. Due to its excellent phenolic concentration and subtle balsamic profile, controlled contact with oxygen helps to open its complex aromatic layers, softening the tannins and ensuring an exceptionally silky mouthfeel.

What is the ideal serving temperature and its aging potential in a cellar?

To fully appreciate its spicy freshness, fine tannin texture, and subtle fruity notes without the alcohol becoming dominant, it should be served strictly between 15°C and 17°C. Thanks to its impeccable balance and great calcareous structure, it has an optimal aging potential in a cellar of between 4 and 6 years stored horizontally.