# Calcáreo Malbec (2023)

- **Producer:** SuperUco
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, plum, blackberry, cherry, black pepper, herbaceous

## About this wine

Calcáreo is an artisanal, terroir-driven Malbec crafted by SuperUco, the acclaimed biodynamic winery founded by the Michelini brothers (Matías, Gerardo, and Juan Pablo) alongside Daniel Sammartino. Located in the high-altitude Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina, SuperUco focuses on expressing the pure, unadulterated character of extreme soils. The 'Calcáreo' line specifically highlights the intense limestone (calcium carbonate) deposits found in select parcels of Gualtallary and Altamira. This wine represents a modern paradigm of Argentine Malbec: moving away from heavy oak and over-extraction toward tension, minerality, and electric freshness.

## Interesting facts

- SuperUco is a fully biodynamic estate, designed in concentric circles to harmonize with the surrounding Andean ecosystem.
- The name 'Calcáreo' refers directly to the calcium carbonate (limestone) coated gravels that define the vineyard soils.
- The Michelini brothers are widely credited with pioneering the modern, high-acid, mineral-driven style of Uco Valley wines.

## Food pairing

This high-altitude Malbec pairs beautifully with rich, savory meats where its vibrant acidity cuts through fat, while its chalky tannins bind with proteins. The wine's herbal and mineral nuances complement wood-fired dishes and earthy elements like mushrooms or roasted root vegetables.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from high-altitude, biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Uco Valley. Fermentation takes place in concrete eggs using 100% native yeasts to preserve the raw expression of the terroir. The wine undergoes maceration with a portion of whole clusters to add structural complexity and herbal freshness. Aging occurs in concrete vats and neutral oak foudres, avoiding any new oak influence to ensure the chalky, mineral texture and vibrant fruit remain the central focus. Bottled with minimal filtration and low sulfur additions.