<p> MASSIMO MALBEC</p><p>MASSIMO LITERALLY MEANS "BIG"—AND MASSIMO MALBEC DELIVERS MONUMENTAL FLAVOR. Massimo Malbec's deep hue and rich texture exemplify Argentina's hallmark grape, grown in the country's best AVA: the acclaimed Valle de Uco region of Mendoza.</p><p>Vintage Report: Massimo's Malbec grapes come from select blocks of vineyards on the slopes of the Andes, where the 4,000-foot altitude mitigates the temperature. Here, summers are temperate to warm and the ripening season is much longer than in lower areas, leading to richly concentrated fruit with good acidity. Bud break for the 2010 vintage was a little later than normal, and the summer weather was a bit dryer and cooler, which allowed for longer hang time. The Fall season showcased warm days and cool evenings which allowed for full-ripeness and rich fruit during harvest.</p><p>Viticulture: Well-drained soils, limited rainfall and prevailing winds all contribute to ideal growing conditions. Judicious drip irrigation is used only when needed, as the vines send roots deep into the rocky soil, picking up underground water sources and trace minerals. When it has achieved just the right balance between ripeness and acidity, the fruit is hand picked in the early morning to preserve freshness and then rushed to the winery.</p><p>Winemaking: The wine is made at the prestigious O. Fournier Winery, a strikingly beautiful, 100% gravity flow modern facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The crushed grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks, then racked into barrels, where the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine aged 3 months in neutral 3rd and 4th use French oak barrels.</p><p>Tasting note: Massimo Malbec is dark garnet with purple edges. Full bodied, with powerful blueberry and plum notes framed by violets, spice and tobacco on a lingering finish.</p><p>Pairing: Massimo Malbec's powerful flavors are the perfect match for a classic mixed grill, spice-rubbed chicken, juicy burgers—or enjoy it Argentine-style with a seared steak glossed with chimichurri sauce.</p><p>Vintage: 2010 Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina Varietal Composition: 95% Malbec, 5% Tempranillo Alcohol by volume: 14.5% pH: 3.59 TA: .52 g/100ml Cases Imported: 18,000</p>