# Flight of the Condor Cabernet Sauvignon (2020)

- **Producer:** Finca Decero
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, black pepper, herbaceous, bell pepper, vanilla, cloves, charred wood, smoke, cedar, tobacco, leather

## About this wine

Flight of the Condor is a portfolio from Finca Decero, a winery established in Agrelo, Mendoza, by Swiss owner Thomas Schmidheiny. The brand emphasizes site-specific viticulture, sustainable vineyard management, and fruit purity, aiming for varietally pure expressions of Mendoza's high-altitude terroirs. The wine is named after the majestic Andean condors that soar above the mountains, symbolizing the high-altitude sourcing of the grapes. This Cabernet Sauvignon specifically showcases the characteristics of Mendoza's diverse terroirs, drawing from both historic regions like Luján de Cuyo, with vines over 100 years old, and high-altitude areas in the Uco Valley.

## Interesting facts

- Sourced from vineyards between 900m and 1,100m altitude.
- Includes grapes from vines over 100 years old in Luján de Cuyo.
- The 2020 vintage experienced a warm early season followed by cooler ripening months.
- Approximately 30,000 bottles were produced for the 2020 vintage.

## Food pairing

This Cabernet Sauvignon's medium body, vibrant acidity, and fine-grained tannins make it a versatile food wine. The fruit-forward profile with notes of cherry and raspberry complements grilled and roasted meats, while the structure can stand up to richer preparations. Its herbaceous undertones and subtle spice notes pair well with herbs and savory elements often found in traditional dishes. Medium-aged cheeses provide a good balance to the wine's intensity.

## Wine making process

The grapes for Flight of the Condor Cabernet Sauvignon are selected from high-pedigree, high-altitude vineyards across Mendoza, typically ranging between 900m and 1,100m above sea level. The 2020 growing season was characterized by early spring development and rapid polyphenolic maturation due to higher-than-average temperatures in December and January, followed by cooler temperatures from February to April, which allowed for even development of aromas and tannins. Prior to fermentation, the grapes undergo a 4 to 5-day cold soak. Fermentation lasts 8 to 10 days, followed by both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged with light oak contact, a technique chosen to maintain a linear structure while preserving a fresh, varietally pure red fruit profile.