Cheval des Andes

Before Argentine vineyards had achieved their current acclaim, the French conglomerate LVMH dispatched their Director of Oenology, Renaud Poirier, to explore the viticultural potential of the region. It was then that he arrived in Luján de Cuyo, within the province of Mendoza, and discovered high-altitude vineyards situated 1,000 meters above sea level. Owing to the cool climate and limited rainfall, these vineyards unleashed their full fruit expression. Vines flourishing on terraces at the foot of the Andes gave rise to the name Terrazas de los Andes, producing wines that are intense, expressive, and sophisticated.

As a testament to this expertise, they present Cheval des Andes, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec originating from an outstanding 14-hectare vineyard that includes venerable vines of up to 80 years old planted at an altitude of 1,150 meters. The cultivation is traditional, the harvest is done by hand, and the grapes are transported with care to the winery in small boxes. There, a meticulous manual selection is conducted prior to commencing the vinification process by individual parcels. Maceration takes place over 21 to 28 days, and fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature. Subsequently, the wine matures in Bordeaux barrels (225 liters), 400-liter barrels, and foudres (50% new oak) for 14 months.

The result is a blend of remarkable precision that retains all the freshness and elegance of the grape. Cheval des Andes epitomizes the perfect synergy between French “savoir-faire” and the creative innovation of the New World.