Alandes (Along the Andes) is the passion project of renowned winemaker, Karim Mussi. His vision was to craft high altitude wines, using a ‘laissez-faire’ philosophy, with grapes sourced from unique and charming sites within Mendoza’s premium sub-zone, the Uco Valley. The Uco Valley is producing some of Argentina’s most influential wines and the Alandes portfolio can most certainly be counted among them.
Vineyards were first planted in the Uco Valley in the 1920s and this fruit was used for many years to add colour and acidity to wines from warmer areas in Chile. But in the 1990s, winemakers realized the region’s full potential and began making appellation wines. Huge diurnal shifts (warm days, cool nights), elevated sites (up to 1700 masl), natural irrigation and infinite variations in climate and soil provided by the Andes are just a few of the natural advantages the Valley possesses. The focus throughout the region is on growing high quality grapes and making premium, elegant, stylish wines.
The Mussi family emigrated to Argentina from Lebanon following World War I. They had been traders for centuries and, in Argentina, became involved in the wine trade. In 1999, while still in college, Karim broke tradition and planted a 4-hectare vineyard in the Uco Valley appellation of La Consulta to begin his boutique winery, Altocedro. Over the past 20+ years, he has purchased and planted additional vineyards, now totalling 80 hectares of low-yielding, old vines that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. He is a firm believer in terroir-driven, small batch, low-intervention winemaking: wild yeast ferments, no filtration, low sulphur. Altocedro is also one of Argentina’s most sustainable wineries. Among others, their initiatives include: controlled irrigation using 100% Andes snow melt; natural fertilization using their own compost; no plowing, zero tillage and manual weed control; hand pruning and harvesting; waste water recycling; and concrete fermenters that require little to no temperature control during fermentation.
On Thursday August 1st, Alandes Paradoux Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc and Alandes Paradoux Red Blend will be available to Ontario winelovers exclusively through the LCBO Cellar Collection Program. The Cellar Collection (formerly CLASSICS) is the LCBO’s premium online catalogue featuring the world’s finest and most collectable wines. Products ordered can be delivered to your home or to your neighbourhood LCBO store. These are true Bordeaux blends, with the requisite refinement and power you might expect from the best of the famed French region. They are non-vintage wines, blending several years in order to add complexity, depth and tertiary character. As with all Karim’s wines, the emphasis here is on freshness, elegance and balance.
NV Paradoux Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc VII Edition
95 Points, Vinous; 94 Points, Tim Atkin MW; 93 Points, Descorchados
$43
When done well, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends are among the world’s finest white wines. Combining Semillon’s texture, depth, weight and savouriness, with Sauvignon’s fruit, freshness and aromatic intensity creates a unique, beguiling, stylish and sophisticated wine experience that suits both the uninitiated and enophiles alike. Karim’s example is sourced from vineyards planted at 1,100 meters above sea level and is fermented and aged 14 months ‘sur lie’ in French oak barrels. Expect exotic aromas of peach, ripe pear, key lime and a touch of toasty oak. The palate is full and rich, beautifully balanced by brilliant acidity, keeping things fresh and lively. Chill lightly and enjoy alongside crab cakes, grilled fish and seafood, pork tenderloin with chimichurri or pasta in cream sauce.
NV Paradoux Red Blend VII Edition
95 Points, Descorchados. 94 Points, James Suckling
$40
Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Grapes are sourced from estate sites planted with old vines at over 1,000 meters above sea level. This is brimming with ripe dark fruits, perfectly balanced by fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity and streaks of minerality. Whole berry fermented in small concrete vats and aged 18 months in new and seasoned French oak barrels. This elegant and layered wine is drinking well now but will age gracefully for 5+ years. Silky and concentrated with aromas of black and red currants, blackberry and cherries alongside intriguing and subtle notes of pencil lead, wet stones and dark chocolate. The perfect accompaniment to grilled steak, prime rib and roast lamb. This is also a wonderful wine to enjoy on its own next to the fire. Decant where possible.
