ARGENTINA VINTAGE 2010 – ANDES WINES IN MENDOZA

Articles

Travelling around Agrelo we discovered that the harvest 2010 in this sub-region of Argentina was postponed some 10 to 15 days in comparison with 2009. Pablo Cúneo, Director and Winemaker of Rucamalén Winery answered some of our questions concerning this situation.

The performance of the varietals has not been the same, resulting in significant gaps. Early varietals have suffered the most mismatch. Whereas, according to our experience Cabernet Sauvignon showed the least difference in timing of phenology to the previous year.

The delay is manifested from sprouting through all stages of phenology. The ripening was delayed for about 15 days. The reason was low temperatures in the winter and spring. Occasionally it was snowing at the end of September 2009 that affected the varietals that were beginning to swell its buds and shoots.

The maturity of the grapes has been delayed primarily due to the aforementioned delay in phenology. Then, there was a three weeks period until mid-February with high temperatures during the day and at night, affecting the sugar content in the grapes. After that, temperatures dropped allowing slow ripening, which preserved the flavors, color and reactivity of tannins.

There was a decrease in production of Malbec depending on the region. This reduction averaged around 15%, although there are places, such as our property in Agrelo, where Malbec production had decreased by only 5%.

This decline in production was caused generally by the low temperatures and zonda winds in the spring before and during the flowering of grapes.

As another example some Chardonnay were damaged during budding in the snow and cold of September 29. Its’ production decreased because the main shoot was affected and secondary buds sprouted were less fertile.

Soil characteristics, management and climate of Ruca Malen vineyards have a great influence on the quality they are achieving. Pablo Cúneo explained that 50% of the vineyards that supply Ruca Malen winery are located on the highlands of Luján de Cuyo (Agrelo, Perdriel and Las Compuertas) and in the Uco Valley. While the characteristics of these places are different in terms of soils, the common factor is a wide range of temperatures in these regions. Regarding the winery management we are trying to adjust the leaf area in order to achieve the desired concentration at every level of wine. Finally, as to the water management we are always trying to have an active plant throughout all the cycle of growth and maturity adapting it to the particular conditions of each soil.