Pascual Toso Malbec

Tasting Notes

Plums and quince with a little touch of elegant oak. Blackberry and licorice fruit that keeps a firm grip through the finish. Rich and long finish with smoky accents of vanilla and lingering oak.

Terroir

In the Argentine Republic, the regions which are suitable for growing vines are located along the Andes Mountain Ridge, from 22º to 42º south latitude. This large North-South region and the latitude variations of its valleys produce various ecological conditions where different grape varieties are grown. In general, the soil of the various grape-growing areas originated from mountain rock and mineral decomposition and disintegration during the Quaternary period. Due to the soil youth there are no generic soil layers in its profile. There are many round stones, usually near the mountains. Organic matter is very scarce due to the quick decomposition it goes through because rains are not heavy and there is intensive cultural activity. Although the soils are of similar origin, various textures may be found in small areas.

Climate

In general, all grape-growing areas are located in dry regions with warm weather, where the winter seasons are well defined, there is high sun radiation level and the temperature range is nearly 15ºC. The annual mean temperature ranges between 13.8ºC and 18.3ºC. Following Winkler's system to classify grape-growing regions, these areas rank within the II and III region. Annual rainfall in all the grape-growing areas is between 150 and 400 mm. The highest rainfall levels occur in spring and summer. This amount of rainfall is not enough for vines, so it is necessary to resort river water or underground water watering systems. In general the area is not very windy.

Soil

The soil and climate conditions of the Mendoza river highland allow for growing quality varieties and producing high-quality wines. The area is located in the Province of Mendoza at approximately 33º south latitude. The mean temperature is 15ºC. The area is located near the city of Mendoza. Wines produced in this region are the greatest quality wines in Argentina. As one starts going down and losing altitude, the temperature is higher and different characteristics are found at close distance (not greater than 20 km). The climate conditions favor the development of color and tannins in wines, thus making them suitable for aging. The Malbec is a typical variety and the vineyards, which are 40 years old or older, make this region a valuable and well-known area.

History

When in the mid 1880s Pascual Toso set out towards Argentina from its home town, Canale D’Alba, in Piamonte, Italy, he could not have imagined that he would become the founder of a winery, which is today one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Argentina.

When he arrived in Argentina, he settled in Mendoza. As he had been closely involved in the development of his family wine business in Piedmont, he promptly saw the promising future for winemaking in the region and decided to use his expertise. Thus, in 1890, Pascual Toso established his first winery in San José, Guaymallén.

At the beginning of the 20th century, he decided to expand his business and acquired vineyards in Maipú. At his estate “Las Barrancas”, he built another winery, “Las Barrancas” (small Canyon) which is dedicated to producing and growing the finest grapes.

In 2001, the Bodega hired as winemaker consultant to Mr. Paul Hobbs for a new high quality wine project. He has been working head to head with our chief winemaker, Rolando Luppino, on the development of premium and super-premium wines. Today, Pascual Toso still makes wines of high quality under the most exigent procedures and rules. The Trophy for Best Argentine Producer awarded by the IWSC (London) in 2007 reflects this commitment to quality.

Today, the brand benefits of a real success in the national market but also worldwide. The Bodega has gained 12 years of experience in exporting to international markets and the wines are available in more than 30 markets such as United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Europe, Russia, Korea, Canada and Latin America.

The most important is our passion for the wines and the quality we try to achieve. Since 1890, Bodegas y Viñedos Pascual Toso has become one of the most exciting and promising Argentine wineries and remains faithful to its principles: Tradition, Authenticity, Innovation.

Malbec

One of the traditional "Bordeaux varietals", malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between cabernet sauvignon and merlot. A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends.

Although malbec dominated vineyards of the Medoc in the 1800s, it has since fallen from favor with Bordeaux vignerons and there is negligible replanting as vines age and die. The average Bordeaux bottling today contains less than 2% malbec, and most have none.

The grape truly comes into its own in Argentina, where malbec is the major red variety planted and is most often bottled as a single varietal. Much of the country's malbec vines were transplanted from France prior to the European outbreak of phylloxera and therefore much was ungrafted, planted on its own roots. Sadly, over the years, phylloxera has infested Argentina, too, and vineyards are now being replanted on resistant rootstock.

Successful Argentine malbec growers claim that, in order to develop full maturity and distinction, malbec needs "hang time" even after sugar levels indicate ripeness. Otherwise, immature malbec can be very "green" tasting, without its characteristic notes of plum and anise.