Winemaker Sustainability

Made at Bodegas Esmeralda, Tilia has been handcrafted to demonstrate true varietal character. The brand is named after the Tilia (Linden) tree commonly found throughout Argentina’s wine country. WINEMAKER Leopoldo Kuschnaroff hails from a family of farmers, born Vineyard workers often make tea from the of Ukrainian immigrants to Argentina. A true son of the flowers of this tree and enjoy time sitting Mendoza wine region, he graduated trade school with in the shade after a hard day’s work. These a degree in winemaking in 1999, followed by a master’s degree in viticulture from the prestigious Cuyo University. wines are a tribute to those workers and He is extremely passionate in his vinification process, to the Argentinean way of living life to obsessively reaching for the highest potential of each the fullest, enjoying every moment and vineyard parcel. relaxing in the natural environment the land provides. SUSTAINABILITY Tilia is dedicated to maintaining the best traditions of a These inviting selections are approachable, rural lifestyle, caring for family farmers, and to stewardship affordable and filled with layers of flavor. of environmental responsibility. The team actively engages They are sure crowd-pleasers to a variety in many programs throughout the community to implement this credo. Tilia family farmers all live in or very close to of palates and provide a consistent option their vineyards and often bike to and from work every to the consumer’s wine selection. day. The winemaking and viticultural team attend regular sustainability training sessions at the National University of Cuyo and National Agricultural Research Institute to share new practices with our growing partners. So far, sustainability practices have been implemented in the following areas: Water Purification Water Management & Conservation Fertilization Pesticide Reduction Pruning & Canopy Management Soil Management & Health

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA MERLOT 2013

WINE DESCRIPTION The Tilia wines are made at Bodegas Esmeralda in the Eastern region of Mendoza. They are made by Leopoldo Kuschnaroff, a winemaker and viticulturist in charge of all Catena family vineyards in Eastern Mendoza. The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from vineyards sites in both the Eastern and Southern regions with elevations ranging from 1,968 to 3,937 feet above sea level. The wine is aged in oak for nine months. TASTING NOTES The nose offers aromas of juicy black cherries and black plums with hints of sweet spice and vanilla. On the palate the wine is soft and elegant with black cherry and plum flavors and fine, supple tannins. FOOD PAIRING This wine is very versatile and will pair well with any number of meat and poultry dishes as well as being a fine match with tomato-based recipes like spaghetti con polpette (spaghetti with meatballs) and tamatar murghi (Indian tomato chicken).

Vineyard & Production Technical Data Soil Composition: Sandy–Loam Winemaker: Leopoldo Kuschnaroff Training Method: Pergola/Arbor–trained & VSP Alcohol: 13.5% Elevation: 1,800 – 3,600 feet pH level: 3.8 Exposure: Northwestern Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/L Year Vineyard Planted: Various Acidity: 5.5 g/L Harvest Time: March – April Dry Extract: 25.74 g/L First Vintage of this Wine: 2006

Winemaking & Aging Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot Acclaim Fermentation Container: Stainless steel tanks 2012 Length of Alcoholic Fermentation: 10 days 87 | International Wine Cellar Fermentation Temperature: 82 – 86º F 2011 Malolactic Fermentation: Yes 91 | Wine Advocate Maceration Technique: Racking, Punchdown, Pumpovers 88 | International Wine Cellar Length of Maceration: 12 days Type of Aging Container: Barriques Type of Oak: French & American Age of Aging Container: 10% New Size of Aging Container: 225L Length of Aging Before Bottling: 6 months Length of Bottle Aging: 3 months