Highlights: Cara Sur Parcela Los Nidos 2018 San Juan, Argentina
Cara Sur is a joint project between Sebastián Zuccardi and Marcela Manini who have partnered with Nuria Añó Gargiulo and Pancho Bugallo to make wine in the Calingasta Valley of San Juan, north of Mendoza. This is a brilliant wine – a field blend from a 0.5 hectare vineyard – Bonarda, Barbera and some Criollas. Fresh, complex, detailed, with a slight wild side – whole bunch, made pretty naturally in concrete.
Cara Sur Parcela Los Nidos Paraje Hilario 2018 Valle de Callingasta, San Juan, Argentina
13% alcohol. This is from a single 0.5 hectare parcel co-planted with red varieties, parral trained. It’s mainly Bonarda with some Barbera and a few small bits of Criollas. Altitude is 1500 m and the vines are 80 years old. Fluvial terrace from the precordillera of the Andes, blended with alluvial influence from the Los Patos river. Whole cluster fermentation with wild yeasts in 2000 litre concrete with no temperature control, followed by ageing in 1000 litre concrete eggs. This is really good: lovely floral cherry notes combine with sour cherry and plum notes, and a lively spiciness. Has a lovely bitter herb twist which good acidity and tannins. This is concentrated and fresh with a grainy, juicy finish. Such a complete wine with some structure, good acidity and lovely balance. It has a bit of grunt: it’s not polished. But I like this. 95/100
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