{"product_id":"ribera-del-cuarzo-especial-2022","title":"Ribera Del Cuarzo Especial 2022","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValle Azul, Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95% Malbec • 5% Petit Verdot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e15% ABV\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12 months French oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Especial is \u003cstrong\u003edeep, concentrated and richly textured\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a wonderful combination of dark fruit, savory complexity and Patagonian freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose shows \u003cstrong\u003eblackberry, black cherry, cassis, ripe plum and violet\u003c\/strong\u003e, followed by intriguing notes of \u003cstrong\u003elicorice, juniper, roasted pepper, sun-dried tomato, bay leaf and basil\u003c\/strong\u003e. French oak adds subtle layers of \u003cstrong\u003evanilla, sweet spice and dark chocolate\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, it's \u003cstrong\u003efull-bodied and concentrated\u003c\/strong\u003e, but the naturally high acidity of the Río Negro site keeps it from becoming heavy. The tannins are firm yet polished, with a chalky texture and a long, vibrant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWine Enthusiast describes the 2022 as smooth and concentrated, with \u003cstrong\u003estrawberry, vanilla bean, cinnamon and bright raspberry\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecanter's 93-point review highlights the wine's \u003cstrong\u003edense black fruit, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomato, bay leaf, basil, licorice and juniper\u003c\/strong\u003e, with rounded tannins. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e⭐ Critic Scores\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one has a \u003cstrong\u003every nice score lineup\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🏆 \u003cstrong\u003e93 Points – Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points – James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e🍇 Interesting Facts\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is Patagonia, not Mendoza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is probably the \u003cstrong\u003esingle most important fact to emphasize\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRibera del Cuarzo is located in \u003cstrong\u003eValle Azul, Río Negro\u003c\/strong\u003e, in Patagonia. Rather than relying on high elevation like many famous Argentine wines, this region gets its character from its \u003cstrong\u003ehigh latitude, cool nights and constant Patagonian winds\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat climate helps the grapes retain \u003cstrong\u003eremarkable natural acidity\u003c\/strong\u003e, even when the fruit reaches impressive concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA tiny, special vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEspecial comes exclusively from the \u003cstrong\u003efive-hectare Araucana Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe site has \u003cstrong\u003ecalcareous soils with sandy loam of aeolian and volcanic origin\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with cool nights and strong winds. The difficult growing conditions naturally stress the vines, resulting in grapes with \u003cstrong\u003ehigh concentration and pronounced acidity\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive hectares. Patagonia. Limestone. Wind. Old vines.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe vines are about 22 years old\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Especial comes from vines approximately \u003cstrong\u003e22 years old\u003c\/strong\u003e. The combination of mature vines and the challenging climate contributes to the wine's concentration. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95% Malbec + 5% Petit Verdot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the Clásico, which is primarily Malbec with Merlot, \u003cstrong\u003eEspecial uses a small amount of Petit Verdot\u003c\/strong\u003e to add structure, color and spice. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12 months in French oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine spends approximately \u003cstrong\u003e12 months in 225-liter French oak barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e, with roughly \u003cstrong\u003e30% new oak\u003c\/strong\u003e, followed by extended bottle aging before release. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oak is noticeable, but it's not simply an \"oak bomb.\" The wine's fruit, acidity and mineral character remain front and center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade by a winemaker with a serious pedigree\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ribera del Cuarzo project was founded by \u003cstrong\u003eFelipe José Menéndez Argüelles\u003c\/strong\u003e, who began his career working under legendary Argentine winemaker \u003cstrong\u003eNicolás Catena\u003c\/strong\u003e before pursuing his own project in Patagonia. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a fantastic little detail for a wine description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e🍷 Especial vs. Clásico\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince you're carrying or considering \u003cstrong\u003eboth\u003c\/strong\u003e, I'd actually use their differences to help customers understand why Especial costs more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"last:pe-10\"\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"last:pe-10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClásico 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"last:pe-10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEspecial 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRío Negro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRío Negro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStyle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh \u0026amp; juicy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRich \u0026amp; concentrated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed\/blue fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack fruit\/cassis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMore prominent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStructure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium-full\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull-bodied\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVineyard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 vineyards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5-hectare Araucana Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge of vines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40+ years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~22 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEveryday drinking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial occasion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScores\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e93 Atkin \/ 92 Suckling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Decanter \/ 92 Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe interesting part:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clásico is actually the \u003cstrong\u003eolder-vine wine\u003c\/strong\u003e, but Especial is the \u003cstrong\u003emore concentrated, powerful single-vineyard expression\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo I would \u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e sell Especial simply as \"better.\" I'd sell it as \u003cstrong\u003ericher, more structured and more cellar-worthy\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e🍽️ Food Pairings\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine wants \u003cstrong\u003ebig flavors\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd pair it with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🥩 Ribeye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🥩 Argentine asado\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🍖 Short ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐑 Grilled lamb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🥩 Beef tenderloin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐖 Slow-roasted pork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🍄 Truffle or wild mushroom dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🥘 Beef stew\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🧀 Aged Manchego\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🧀 Parmigiano-Reggiano\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🥓 Charcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy favorite:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArgentine grilled steak + chimichurri.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine's acidity and herbal notes should work beautifully with the richness of the meat and the herbs in the chimichurri.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003ewine-geek Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has the richness and concentration that people expect from Argentina, but the \u003cstrong\u003ePatagonian climate gives it a completely different dimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: acidity, minerality, savory herbs and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the vineyard story is excellent:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive hectares + calcareous soils + constant Patagonian winds + mature vines + French oak + 93 Decanter.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's also a really nice bottle for someone who says:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I love Malbec, but I want something more sophisticated.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Patagonian Malbec with Bordeaux-like structure and Rhône-like savory complexity.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–64°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecant:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrink Window:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026–2032\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-bodied • Concentrated • Mineral • Savory • Structured • Age-worthy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"IN THE CRU","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47498894868636,"sku":null,"price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0377\/6253\/1460\/files\/Untitleddesign_19.png?v=1788183684","url":"https:\/\/inthecru.com\/products\/ribera-del-cuarzo-especial-2022","provider":"In The Cru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}