In a significant addition to its prestigious single vineyard Finca range, Argentine winery Achaval Ferrer has unveiled the Finca Nazarenas, sourced from a century-old vineyard acquired in 2019. This new expression joins three existing wines in the series and highlights the distinctiveness of terroir-driven Malbecs. The vineyard, located in Agrelo within Luján de Cuyo, boasts deep clay soils over an alluvial cone, nurturing vines now over 100 years old. According to Gustavo Rearte, Achaval Ferrer's winemaker, these historic vineyards are "jewels" offering unique soil profiles that inspire innovative winemaking approaches. The 2021 vintage, marked by favorable climatic conditions, showcases balanced ripeness and freshness, enhancing the wine's complexity and elegance.

Achaval Ferrer’s recent release of Finca Nazarenas exemplifies the winery's dedication to preserving heritage while exploring the nuances of terroir. Established in 1998 as part of the Tenute del Mondo group, this Argentine winery pioneered an Old World philosophy in the New World of viticulture. The Finca Nazarenas vineyard, planted in 1923, resides in Agrelo, where cool nights contribute to extreme temperature variations essential for robust fruit expression. These conditions allow the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining natural freshness. Rearte emphasizes the importance of understanding each vineyard's DNA, likening it to interpreting the land's intimate secrets through direct engagement with the vines and their surroundings.

The 2021 growing season was particularly noteworthy due to mild springs and moderate summer precipitation typical of Mendoza, culminating in cool evenings that facilitated ideal grape maturation. This climate enabled the harvest under impeccable conditions, resulting in four exceptional single vineyard Malbecs. Each wine in the Finca collection reflects its specific origin through distinctive characteristics shaped by varying altitudes, soil compositions, and microclimates. For instance, Finca Bella Vista, situated on a former riverbed at 900 meters above sea level, produces floral, soft textures, whereas Finca Mirador, grown on well-drained soils at 700 meters, exhibits spicier notes with dark fruit flavors.

Although crafted using identical methods, the wines differ significantly due to their individual terroirs. Finca Altamira, originating from plots at 1,100 meters altitude, endures extreme climates enriched by a blend of clay, sand, minerals, stones, and volcanic ash, adding layers of complexity to the final product. Only limited quantities of each wine are produced annually, with Finca Nazarenas yielding approximately 5,370 bottles compared to higher outputs from other vineyards in the series. Available globally across 50 countries, including the UK via Jeroboams Trade and Shops, this exclusive allocation underscores Achaval Ferrer's commitment to quality and authenticity.

This latest addition not only expands Achaval Ferrer's esteemed portfolio but also reinforces its mission to celebrate Malbec's ability to articulate diverse terroirs. By meticulously selecting and cultivating these historic vineyards, the winery continues to push boundaries in expressing the rich tapestry of flavors inherent in Argentine Malbec. As enthusiasts savor the intricate balance of ripe blackberries, spice, silkiness, and firm tannins in Finca Nazarenas, they experience firsthand how time-honored traditions meet modern innovation in every bottle.