Vineyard and winemaking
Alandes Gran Cabernet Franc is sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza's Uco Valley, including La Consulta and Vista Flores. Rocky alluvial soils, intense sunlight and cool nights allow Cabernet Franc to ripen fully while retaining the freshness, fragrance and fine herbal detail that distinguish the variety.
The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before fermentation in small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts. After a measured maceration, the 2019 wine matures for 18 months in French oak, bringing polish and depth to the fruit without losing the mineral line of its mountain-grown origins.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep ruby red with purple reflections and a concentrated, youthful core.
Nose
Blackberry, cassis and black cherry are joined by violet, graphite, fresh thyme and a discreet note of cedar. The variety's leafy character is ripe and finely integrated rather than overtly green.
Palate
Full-bodied and firmly structured, with dark berry fruit, bright acidity and close-knit tannins. Savoury herbs and pencil lead give definition, while restrained vanilla and toast sit behind the fruit. The finish is long and composed, carrying blackcurrant, spice and cool mineral notes.
Food pairing
Pair with herb-crusted rack of lamb, grilled bavette steak, venison sausages with lentils, or roast portobello mushrooms with smoked aubergine. Its combination of freshness and savoury detail works especially well with rosemary, thyme and gently charred flavours.
Background story
Karim Mussi is one of Mendoza's leading independent winemakers, known for drawing together fruit from distinctive sites across Argentina. His Alandes project gives him the freedom to explore varieties and sub-regions beyond a single estate, using careful vineyard selection and restrained cellar work to emphasise origin.
Gran Cabernet Franc reflects Mussi's belief in the variety's potential in the Uco Valley. The 2019 combines parcels from contrasting high-altitude locations, bringing ripe fruit and mountain freshness into the same frame. It received 93 points from James Suckling and 92 points from Tim Atkin MW.
