Smoked Red Blend by Doña Paula

WINEMAKER'S NOTES This wine is aged using customized barrels smoked with a unique process that gives them similar aromas found in a traditional Argentinean barbecue (asado). Intense violet colored wine, with very complex aromas of red fruit jam, spices, vanilla and a delicate smokiness. On the palate it stands out for its sweet, velvety tannins. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 10% Bonarda. See Smoked video here: http://donapaula.com/wine/smoked-by-dona-paula/ VINEYARDS This well balanced blend comes from our Ugarteche vineyards, in Luján de Cuyo. The yield per hectare is 7-10 tons. We use drip irrigation and a trellis conduction system. The climate of this estate, located at 1050 meters (3445 feet) above sea level, is characterized by its warm days and cool nights, with a thermal amplitude of 14ºC and an average annual rainfall of 250 mm (9.84 inches). At Doña Paula we always manage our vineyards using sustainable agricultural practices. VINIFICATION The grapes are harvested manually, from the end of March to the beginning of April. Crushing is reductive to avoid contact with oxygen. Cold pre-fermentation maceration allows the preservation of prmiary aromas. The must is then fermented is carried out. The wine is stored in French Oak barrels of first, second, and third use for 12 months. These barrels are smoked with a unique process that gives them similar aromas found in a traditional Argentinean barbecue (asado).