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At the northern end of Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley sits a 20,000 foot monster, the permanently snowcapped Cachi. At its feet (still 8,809 ft. high) sits a smaller valley, and a sleepy farm of just 19 acres fed by a stream of snowmelt. This is Finca Rio Las Arcas. Planted among the old “arca” trees (note the leaf on the bottle) are rows of malbec and merlot, and often a Swiss gentleman, winemaker Christian Götz, fussing and musing over each bunch.
Christian produces less than 5,000 bottles a year, and does much of the work by hand, including a twice daily “remontage” while the wine ferments in new and old oak (before 15 months in French oak for aging).
Notes of dark fruit with herbal overtones and a polished feel. Pair with herb-crusted roast chicken, a baked ziti with sausage, or, for a lighter option, a turkey burger with cranberry relish. 94 points (Descorchados). 92 points (Atkin).