Michel Torino, Cafayate Malbec Cuma 2023

With over 1500 acres of vineyards standing at the extreme elevations of 5500-6600 feet above sea level, Michel Torino is the most important winery in Argentina's Cafayate Valley set in the rugged high-dessert terrain of the country's northwest.

Brothers Salvador and David Michel founded the winery in 1892, 22 years after discovering the Cafayate as an area suitable for fine wine production. This unique climate averages 330-340 sunny days per year with a low humidity and a great thermal range, with evenly warm days (82 degrees) and cool nights. Rainfall is sparce; averaging just 3-6 inches anually.

Each of the Michel Torino wines are hand-harvested in the estate's own vineyards high in the Andean foothills. The estate practices sustainable, environmentally friendly farming by minimizing the use of fertilizers and chemicals in the vineyard and winery.

The unique Cafayete climate manifests itself in the elegant, focused profile of Michel Torino's wines. These are wines with an indelible sense of place, wines which complement food rather than overpower, wines which are true to their origin.

Terroir: Sourced entirely from estate vineyards high in Argentina's northwest Andes. This extreme elevation lends itself perfectly to organic viticulture. Hot days, cool nights, lack of rainfall and a dry shallow soil allow for minimal human interference to the natural growth cycle of the vines.

Vinification: All organic practices are carried over from vineyard to winery where the wines are carefully handled throughout the entire vinification process. Cuma is produced to be drunk young, therefore little oak is used in the winery; instead the wines are aged at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks in an effort to showcase their natural complexity and deep fruit flavors.

Appellation: Calchaquí Valley
Winemaker: Alejandro Daniel Pepa
Soil: Sand, Gravel
Alcohol: >14.5%

FOOD PAIRING: Chicken Campero (country chicken) with cast-iron herb potatoes and green beans.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC.