# Saurus Select Malbec (2022)

- **Producer:** Bodega Familia Schroeder
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec
- **Region:** Patagonia, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.9%
- **Average price:** €17
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, plum, blackberry, blueberry, mint, eucalyptus, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, toast, leather, tobacco, forest floor

## About this wine

Bodega Familia Schroeder is a pioneering winery located in San Patricio del Chañar, a remote, cool-climate valley in Patagonia, Argentina. Established in 2001, the estate is renowned for its modern architecture built into the side of a hill, allowing for gravity-flow winemaking. The Saurus name pays tribute to a remarkable discovery made during the winery's construction: the fossilized bones of a previously unknown dinosaur species, Panamericansaurus schroederi. Under the guidance of winemaker Leonardo Puppato and consulting enologist Paul Hobbs, the estate crafts wines that showcase the unique terroir of Patagonia, characterized by intense sunlight, cool nights, and persistent dry winds that naturally protect the vines.

## Interesting facts

- During winery construction, builders unearthed the fossilized bones of a new dinosaur species, Panamericansaurus schroederi.
- The winery's modern gravity-flow design is built directly into the Patagonian hillside to ensure gentle grape handling.
- Constant dry winds in Patagonia naturally protect the vines from disease, allowing for highly sustainable viticulture.

## Food pairing

This Patagonian Malbec benefits from its vibrant acidity and structured tannins, making it an exceptional partner for rich, fatty meats. The wine's dark fruit and subtle oak spices complement roasted and grilled dishes, while the natural acidity cuts through the richness of game and slow-cooked stews.

## Wine making process

The 2022 Saurus Select Malbec is crafted from hand-harvested estate grapes. The winemaking process begins with a three-day cold soak of whole berries using carbon dioxide to preserve fresh fruit aromas. Alcoholic fermentation takes place over 10 to 12 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts. This is followed by a five-day post-fermentation maceration to gently integrate and soften the tannins. The wine is then aged for 12 months, with 40% maturing in new French and American oak barrels with custom medium and medium-plus toasts, while the remaining 60% is kept in stainless steel to maintain pure varietal character.