# Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)

- **Producer:** Mendel Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.4%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, black plum, vanilla, cedar

## About this wine

The Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 hails from Luján de Cuyo, Perdriel, Mendoza, Argentina, a region known for its high-altitude vineyards. This wine is a product of Mendel Wines, a winery with a legacy dating back to 1928, guided by winemaker Roberto de la Mota and a family committed to quality. The 2023 vintage was shaped by a late frost, resulting in the lowest yield in over two decades, yet the grapes achieved a favorable balance of acidity and sugar. The vineyard features ungrafted vines planted in 1994, contributing to the wine's distinctive character. Production for this vintage is limited to 31,971 bottles.

## Interesting facts

- Lowest yield in over 20 years for the 2023 vintage.
- Ungrafted vines planted in 1994 contribute to wine's unique character.
- Limited production of just over 31,000 bottles for the 2023 vintage.
- Hand-harvested grapes selected in 18-kilo crates.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and medium-plus body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in grilled and roasted meats. Its complex fruit profile and subtle spice notes can stand up to rich sauces and earthy flavors, while its balanced acidity cuts through richness, cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon begins with manual berry selection after hand-harvesting. Fermentation occurs in small tanks with manual pigeage for 25 days, followed by low-pressure pneumatic pressing. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks. The wine is then aged for 12 months in a mix of new, second-use, and third-use French oak barrels. The vineyard utilizes ungrafted vines, contributing to the wine's distinct profile.