Rutini

Single Vineyard Altamira Malbec

Argentina, Mendoza

2021

Forming part of a range designed to reflect the terroir nuances within Argentina's Uco Valley, this single vineyard malbec comes from vines planted in Altamira at the foot of the Andes. Its high altitude location leads to a fresh and intense expression of malbec exploding with black fruit and sweet spices. A perfect partner for wild boar.

Rutini's Single Vineyard programme highlights the individuality of key Uco Valley sites, and Altamira – at the foot of the Andes – is one of its most expressive. With deep alluvial soils marked by limestone patches and large river stones, Altamira produces malbec of natural concentration and refined structure.

Rutini's long history in Mendoza, dating back to the 19th century, positions the estate as a champion of high-altitude terroir, and this wine reflects that legacy. The 2021 vintage underwent small-batch fermentation with gentle extraction to emphasise purity and floral lift. Ageing in French oak adds complexity without overshadowing the vineyard's hallmark freshness.

The result balances dense black fruit with bright acidity and fine tannins, presenting a precise interpretation of Altamira's cool, stony character. It underscores Rutini's evolution toward terroir‑driven, site‑specific winemaking.

Tasting
NOTES

This inky, fruit-driven malbec is a flavour bomb bursting with black cherries, black currants, blueberry jam, figs, ripe plums and macerated blackberries alongside floral hints of violets. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated on the palace, with high alcohol and grippy tannins, savoury flavours of smoked meats come to the fore that mingle with the sweet black fruit flavours. The finish is long and rounded with a hint of pink pepper and sweet tobacco.

Food
PAIRINGS

Meat is the order of the day for this malbec, think lamb chops with Indian spices, wild boar, beef Rossini, or caramelised pork belly in a cherry sauce.