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Terrazas de los Andes: From Mountain Terraces to Glass
Founded in the 1990s by Moët Hennessy, the Terrazas de los Andes estate has built its reputation on a simple yet powerful philosophy: exceptional wines are born where altitude, soil, and climate converge in perfect balance. “Born where the earth meets the sky,” Terrazas literally crafts mountain wines and has truly captured the spirit of Mendoza, making them one of Argentina’s most influential producers. The estate name, Terrazas, is by most appropriate, as their vineyard “terraces” from Las Compuertas to Gualtallary climb the foothills of the Andes, ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level. At these heights, vines thrive despite dramatic temperature swings—searing daytime sunlight followed by cool…
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Mapping Altitude: Bodega Alta Vista’s Precision in Terroir-Driven Winemaking
Few Argentine wineries have embraced the study of terroir with the rigor of Bodega Alta Vista, located in the Las Compuertas wine appellation in Chacras de Coria, Mendoza, Argentina. Founded in 1998, the Mendoza-based estate has committed itself to terroir-driven precision, exploring how altitude, soil composition, and microclimate shape the character of Malbec and other varieties across Argentina’s most prized vineyard sites. Alta Vista is celebrated for its single-vineyard Malbecs, each crafted to reflect the unique soils and microclimates of Mendoza’s prized subregions. The vineyards are all between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level, spread across Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley. On a visit to the winery, we…
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Vigneti La Selvanella: Terroir-driven Pioneers in Tuscany
Vigneti La Selvanella, located in Radda in Chianti, the heart of Chianti Classico, is a name synonymous with one of Italy’s most enduring and celebrated single-vineyard wines. With a history that stretches back over half a century, it is clear to see how La Selvanella has become a benchmark for terroir-driven Sangiovese and a pioneer in the concept of Cru wines in Italy. A Vision Ahead of Its Time Established in the 1960s, La Selvanella was among the first Italian vineyards to embrace the philosophy of single-vineyard winemaking—a radical idea at a time when most Chianti producers blended grapes from various locations. The estate spans roughly 50 hectares, making it…
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Italy Shines Bright at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC
The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter returned to New York this month, reaffirming its status as one of the industry’s most prestigious global tasting events. Held at Manhatta, a sleek venue perched high above Lower Manhattan, the event brought together over 50 world-class producers for a full day of discovery, networking, and education geared toward professionals, collectors and serious enthusiasts. The Grand Tasting featured a curated selection of fine wines from top estates across France, Italy, Spain, California, South America, and beyond. Attendees had the rare chance to taste flagship bottlings and limited library releases while engaging directly with winemakers and proprietors. The portfolio leaned toward collectible and age-worthy wines, making…
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Discovering Unexpected Freshness with Cadgal Moscato d’Asti
When you think of Moscato d’Asti, you may think of a sweet white wine. However, there is much more to learn about this Italian white varietal. Cadgal Winery, located in the northern region of Piedmont and established in 1989, has a lot to share in this regard. The Wining Hour recently enjoyed a tasting with Alessandro Varagnolo, the winemaker and owner of Cadgal, who assumed leadership in 2023. During our informative discussion, he highlighted the new identity of Moscato d’Asti, as well as the versatility and aging potential of this grape varietal. The Cadgal Estate has two vineyard sites: Tenuta Valdivilla, in the hills of Santo Stefano Belbo, in the…
