# Clos De Los Siete (2022)

- **Producer:** Michel Rolland
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** currants, blackberries, violets, cocoa powder, vanilla, cloves, mineral, wild herbs, asphalt

## About this wine

Clos de los Siete, meaning 'vineyard of the seven,' is a distinctive collaborative wine project initiated by the celebrated Bordeaux enologist Michel Rolland and six Bordelais families. They invested in the high-altitude terroir of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, aiming to create a world-class wine. The project leverages the unique characteristics of the region, situated around 1,100 meters at the foot of the Andes, with its well-drained, pebbly soils that promote balanced grape development. Each year, Michel Rolland crafts the final blend from the best wines produced by the participating wineries, resulting in a wine that is a true expression of this exceptional terroir and collective winemaking expertise. The 2022 vintage faced a challenging start with a cool, dry spring but ultimately yielded a promising harvest.

## Interesting facts

- Clos de los Siete translates to 'vineyard of the seven', referring to the founding families.
- The vineyards are located at an altitude of 1,100 meters (3,600 feet).
- Michel Rolland personally crafts the final blend each year.
- The wine is a blend of grapes from seven different wineries.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body, polished tannins, and pronounced intensity make it a robust partner for protein-rich dishes. Its balanced acidity cuts through richer fats, while the fruit and subtle oak notes complement savory and earthy flavors.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Clos de los Siete emphasizes precision and quality. Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before being moved via gravity-flow into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging, primarily in French oak casks, with a portion typically aged in new, one-year-old, and two-year-old barrels, while the remainder rests in vats. This approach aims to capture the essence of the Uco Valley terroir and the characteristics of the blended grape varietals.