Download Complete Production Notes

Situated on a high plateau in the Uco Valley of Argentina’s Mendoza region, the El Portillo (meaning “portal” or “gateway”) winery and vineyards are dedicated to making superb quality wines for everyday enjoyment. Harmony with nature is readily apparent in every aspect of this property, which is designed to deliver wines that capture and respect the pristine beauty of their birthplace.

El Portillo’s state-of-the-art winery is largely built of local materials, including stones quarried from a nearby valley. This enables the facility to better blend in with the surrounding environment. Built on three levels, each 16 feet deep, with much of the facility concealed below ground, El Portillo is also notable for its employment of a gravity-flow system. This minimizes handling of grapes and helps protect the integrity of the fruit. The facility’s ingenious design, which takes careful advantage of the gentle slopes on which it is built, is thought to be unique in South America.

Production Area
This cabernet sauvignon was made entirely from hand-harvested grapes from select plots on our vineyard estate Finca El Portillo, located at 3,610 feet above sea level. Soils are alluvial, atop a gravel bed with good permeability and drainage.

Grape Varieties
100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested at the optimum ripening point, approximately 24° brix. After gentle de-stemming and selection, the berries were placed in stainless steel tanks, where fermentation and maceration with select yeasts took place at 75°F to 77°F for 10 to 15 days, to preserve the fruity character of the variety. After fermentation, the wine was racked by gravity into stainless steel tanks, avoiding the need to pump.

Color
Ruby red

Bouquet
Dark fruits emboldened by red and black pepper create an invitingly fruit-forward nose

Taste
On the palate, the fruit is lush and fully developed, bringing the wine into perfect balance.

Alcohol
14%

Serving Suggestions
A wonderful match for red meat, lamb dishes and robust vegetarian entrees