Ceritas, Trout Gulch Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA 2023 vs Manos Negras Triuno Organic Malbec 2022

Manos Negras Triuno Organic Malbec 2022

Alejandro Sejanovich is arguably Argentina’s most knowledgeable viticulturist. After 16 years as vineyard director at Bodega Catena Zapata—where he pioneered high-altitude vineyard planting and conducted ground-breaking Malbec clone research—he established Manos Negras. Here, Alejandro brings together his love of minerality, altitude, and latitude to produce some of Mendoza’s most terroir-driven wines. Each wine reflects a myriad of soil types and grape expressions, capturing the spirit of Argentina’s diverse landscapes. Winemaking The grapes are gently destemmed before a 3-day cold soak at 8°C. Fermentation is carried out with wild yeasts, at controlled temperatures below 22°C, with 2 pump-overs and 1 punch-down per day across 13 days. Full malolactic fermentation follows, before 6 months of maturation in new French oak barrels. Tasting Note Triuno embodies the three natural forces—earth, water, and sun—that define Mendoza’s viticulture. This Malbec delivers concentrated dark berry fruit lifted by a hint of black pepper. The influence of cool desert nights preserves acidity, giving balance, freshness, and a long, harmonious finish underscored by subtle oak spice. Viticulture The organic grapes for Triuno Malbec are sourced from Barrancas in Mendoza’s Primera Zona at 2,500 feet above sea level. The Finca La Flor vineyard sits on alluvial soils of silty light clay over a subsoil rich in rounded stones and calcium carbonate, lending a distinct stony minerality to the fruit. The region’s warm, sunny days and cool nights ensure ideal ripening conditions. Food Matching Pairs beautifully with lean red meats, roast pork, dark turkey meat, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Technical Details Variety: 100% Malbec Oak Ageing: 6 months in French oak (100% new) % Wine Oaked: 100%