Description

40/40 Mendoza Malbec 2022

This artisanal bottling is a pure, terroir-driven expression of 100% Malbec, sourced from the Ugarteche district in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. The fruit is drawn from two distinct parcels within the estate: one characterized by deep clay soils that provide richness and volume, and a second featuring rocky, gravel-rich soil that imparts nerve and structural tension. The vineyards are farmed according to strict certified organic standards, reflecting winemaker Lucas Pfister’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal environmental impact.

The 2022 vintage in Mendoza was defined by a unique set of climatic challenges that ultimately favored quality over quantity. A cool spring punctuated by late frosts in October naturally reduced yields, while a temperate summer allowed for a slow, extended ripening period. These conditions, combined with the vineyard's elevation of 890 meters (2,920 feet), preserved the grapes' natural acidity and facilitated the development of complex aromatics without excessive sugar accumulation.

In the glass, the wine pours a deep, opaque violet with a vibrant magenta rim, indicating its youth and concentration. The nose is highly expressive, leading with fresh aromas of wild blueberries, black plums, and crushed violets, underpinned by subtle savory notes of bay leaf and graphite. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied wine with a decidedly dry profile. It eschews the heaviness often associated with the region, instead offering a vibrant core of dark currant and blackberry fruit supported by fine-grained, chalky tannins and a bright, lifting acidity. The finish is persistent and elegant, leaving lingering traces of spice and mineral dust.

Winemaking at 40/40 is hands-off, designed to let the site speak clearly. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, incorporating 7-10% whole bunches to enhance aromatic lift and textural complexity. Following a 20-day maceration, the wine was aged for 12 months in used 225-liter oak barrels, a choice that adds texture without masking the fruit with aggressive wood flavors. In keeping with the producer’s low-intervention philosophy, the wine was bottled unfined and with only a light filtration.

The wine’s fresh acidity and moderate alcohol make it an exceptional companion for American barbecue and grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with slow-smoked St. Louis-style pork ribs, where the wine’s brightness cuts through the rich fat and its fruit complements the tang of a dry rub. Alternatively, try it with a grilled bison burger topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese; the wild game flavors and sharp cheese are perfectly balanced by the wine’s savory undertones and structured tannins.

While specific point scores for the 2022 vintage are still emerging from major US publications, the brand has established a strong reputation for consistency, with the 40/40 Malbec holding an aggregate score of 90 points on Wine-Searcher across recent vintages. It remains a standout value in its class, offering a level of complexity and artisanal craft often found in significantly more expensive bottlings.