Manos Negras, Artesano Semillon, La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021

Producer Profile

Alejandro Sejanovich is arguably Argentina's most knowledgeable viticulturist, having worked as vineyard director for Bodega Catena Zapata for 16 years, he pioneered high-altitude vineyard planting and conducted groundbreaking research on Mendoza Malbec clones.

With Manos Negras he combines his love of minerality, and altitude with a magical touch in the winery to produce some of the region’s most terroir-driven wines. Not only altitude, but also latitude play a part in the wines from Manos Negras. With plantings of Torrontes in the northern stretches of Cafayate in Salta, Pinot Noir in the southernmost region of Neuquen in Patagonia, and old vine Malbec in the prized Altamira appellation in the Uco Valley, capturing the spirit of Manos Negras through a myriad of soils and ultimate wine expressions.

Viticulture

A variety traditional to the Uco Valley and in particular the region of La Consulta. Semillon grapes are sourced from a single 50-year-old vineyard, grown on silt and limestone soils, which is reflected in the wine.

Winemaking

This white is the result of two different fermentation processes. After whole bunch pressing, half of the must is fermented in used French oak barrels and then matured in the same barrels for a further 7 months. The second part of the must is fermented in a small stainless-steel tank, for 9 months. During this time continuous lees movements is ensured in order to protect and to contribute to a more textural mouthfeel.

Oak Ageing

Time: 7 Months
Type: Oak
% wine oaked: 50
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

A gorgeous wine that displays a range of aromas from zesty citrus and stone fruits, all the way through to honeyed and floral notes. Harnessing great acidity and freshness from the altitude, as well as breadth and texture which makes this Semillon such a pleasure to drink in its youth, yet it will develop and evolve over time in bottle.

Food Matching

A gastronomic wine, which pairs beautifully with fish and shellfish, as well as white meat or tofu dishes.