# Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)

- **Producer:** Fincas Patagónicas
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** mint, herbaceous, blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, black pepper, vanilla, chocolate, cedar, smoke, toast, leather, tobacco, cedar

## About this wine

Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is an estate-grown red wine from Fincas Patagónicas, located in the high-altitude Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina. The winery was founded by Patricia Ortiz, a pioneer of sustainable viticulture and the first female President of Bodegas Argentinas. The name 'Zolo' is a playful, romantic tribute to her husband Jorge, who was left 'solo' (zolo) in Buenos Aires while Patricia established the estate in Mendoza. Since 2012, the winemaking team has collaborated with legendary Pomerol winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet of Château Pétrus fame, bringing a signature French elegance, balance, and structural integration to the bold, high-altitude Argentine terroir.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Zolo' is a playful nod to owner Patricia Ortiz's husband, who was left 'solo' in Buenos Aires while she built the winery.
- Since 2012, the estate has collaborated with Jean-Claude Berrouet, the legendary former winemaker of Château Pétrus.
- Fincas Patagónicas is 100% certified vegan and a leading pioneer of sustainable viticulture in Argentina.

## Food pairing

This robust Cabernet Sauvignon thrives alongside rich, protein-heavy dishes. The wine's structured tannins bind beautifully with the proteins and fats in red meats like ribeye and lamb, softening the palate. Meanwhile, its vibrant acidity cuts through rich sauces and cheeses, while the oak-derived spice notes complement charred, grilled, or roasted elements.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the 2023 vintage begins with sustainably farmed, estate-grown grapes from Finca El Jarillal in Alto Agrelo and Finca Las Llamas in Agrelo, situated at 1,050 meters above sea level. The fruit undergoes a 5-day pre-fermentation cold maceration at 8°C to extract vibrant color and delicate primary aromas. Fermentation is carried out over 14 days at a controlled temperature of 28°C in stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended post-fermentation maceration on the skins for 16 days to refine and polish the tannin structure. Finally, the wine is aged for 8 to 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels to integrate complex oak characteristics.