Monte Quieto, made with Passion.

When I first started talking to this Argentinian winery, I had a vague idea about who they were. I had never tried any of their wines either. That said, having spent so many years in the industry has given me a bit of a nose for great opportunities and vibes. Happily, in spite of my very little knowledge, my perception on Monte Quieto was not wrong. I guess it all comes to the passion that transpires in our creations, this is definitely that case.

Let's talk a bit about the story of these wines! Malbec you may think. Well, not exactly. Monte Quieto is a small family-run winery that owns three vineyards: Ugarteche and Agrelo (Lujan De Cuyo) and Vista Flores (Tunuyán). The project saw light in 2003 -their first harvest- over none other than…a bottle of wine! The husband and wife met, fell in love, bought a farm, and had their inaugural vintage shortly after the birth of their first child. That's really condensed! I know, but bare with me.

So what makes these wines so different from all those other big reds you’ve tasted from Mendoza? The big answer is 'Cabernet Franc'. Since its inception, every vintage has less and less Malbec in it, more and more Cabernet Franc. Matilde Pereda y Agustín Casabal (owners) did not want to go for the so fashionable 'Malbec' that, at that time, was so popular in countries like United States. They wanted to create something different hence they went for a less popular varietal but with lots of potential.

The wines are also different because they use indigenous yeasts and natural fertilizers (guano and barley shoots); neither of which are popular winemaking practices in South America. Each Monte Quieto is very expressive of their terroir. Plots of vines is carefully considered before being added into the blends. Only 150 thousand bottles of Monte Quieto are produced every year.

Leonardo Quercetti (left, during 2021's harvest), the young and talented winemaker behind Monte Quieto's creations, believes that 'cutting wines offers more complexity and balance than varietals'. That really defines their production style and, in my opinion, is the reason why Monte Quieto is so different from other Argentinian wines.

I am going to finish today's post with two personal recommendations. First, 'Monte Quieto Alegre Gran Corte'. It is a very red blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. It is a cut full of aromas, very attractive on the nose where plums, nuts and menthol notes appear. In the mouth it stands out for its balance and excellent acidity. Medium-bodied, broad and fresh, it reflects herbaceous and spaced notes that, combined with the fruit, offer a unique complexity. Ideal to pair with haute cuisine dishes with spices and legumes, red meat, duck, pork, aromatic fusions. My second recommendation is 'Enlace', more aged than 'Alegre', is a wine with lots of character, distinguished for the balanced acidity and polished tannins. Ideal for slow cooking meats, truffles or mushrooms.

If you tried them already don't be shy, leave a comment!

Oh, and let's meet here again soon! There is always great wine to talk about.

Cheers!

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