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
The Malbec grapes were grown in very select plots in our estate vineyard Finca El Portillo, at 1,100 meters above sea level. Alluvial soils lay atop a gravel bed, with good permeability and drainage.

Grape Varieties
100% Malbec

Vinification
The grapes are harvested after midnight, when temperatures go down to 50°F-53°F. After de-stemming, the berries are transferred to the wine press, where a short cold maceration takes place with dry ice (6 to 10 hours at 46-50°F). Gentle pressing is performed and the rosé must is sent to stainless steel tanks where the lees are allowed to settle for 48 hours. The must is racked to another tank where fermentation takes place, using select yeasts at low temperatures. After fermentation, the wine is racked by gravity, without using pumps, to stainless steel tanks for storage.

Color
Rich salmon pink

Bouquet
Delicate aromas reminiscent of roses and red fruits

Taste
Bright and refreshing mouth feel

Alcohol
12.5%

Serving Suggestions
Ideal as an aperitif and a good match for salads, pizza, seafood and fish.