Region
Patagonia is the most southerly wine producing region of Latin America, lying to the south of Mendoza and las Pampas. With considerable new investment, Argentinian Patagonia is fast emerging as the country`s most exciting cool climate vineyard, making elegant wines with balance and complexity in contrast to the more heavier reds of Mendoza. The region includes two important wine producing provinces, Neuquen beneath the Andes, and the Rio Negro towards the Atlantic Ocean. These are semi-arid, alluvial desert vineyards which benefit from constant sun and breezes that help mitigate disease. The vines can produce cool climate varieties including Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc with good aroma and concentration as well as perfect levels of acidity
 
Producer
Familia Schroeder’s winery and the surrounding vineyards are located in San Patricio del Chañar, Patagonia at the heart of the southernmost wine region of Argentina. The winery’s building, perched on a gentle slope that dominates the vineyards, with an architecture that blends naturally with the surroundings, takes advantage of the differences of level, allowing a gravity flown winemaking. When construction began to build the winery, a dinosaur was unearthed and in tribute to this 75-million-year giant, the name Saurus was given in tribute! Located at 39’ Latitude South in San Patricio del Chanar near Neuquen the Schroeder vineyards are planted on gravelly soils and combined with warm days and cool nights provide near perfect conditions for grape cultivation.
 
Tasting Notes
This Malbec features an intense dark purplish red that shows maturity. On the nose it is complex - ripe red fruit aromas such as currants, plums and sour cherries melt with some spicy hints. Due to ageing in French and American oak casks the wine has some vanilla, bitter chocolate and coffee notes. The mouthfeel is pleasant and well balanced. The long finish is dominated by sweet, velvety tannins. Dried fruits, blackcurrants and plum and with a hint of spice, it is supple and has a full, fruity mouth feel. Soft tannins give a long, sweet finish.
 
Food
Perfect with steak, spit roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic or BBQ pulled pork..
 
Media
Tim Atkin awarded 91 points in 2021