In 1925, Fancisco Esteller arrived in Mendoza, Argentina from Valance, Spain, and set up a small vineyard that he named El Immigrante (The Immigrant). Four generations later, his great- grandson, Francisco Pannocchia is the Winemaker and owner of an expanded vineyard, named Cuarto Surco (Forth Generation) and has named the wines produced Latante (Legend).
Translation of Cuarto Surco Latente Reserva Malbec : Fourth Generation Legandary Reserve Malbec.
SupemarketNews chatted with the team to find out a bit more about its award-winning drops.
What characteristics of your wine are influenced by the physical landscape of your winery?
“The landscape the grapes are grown in is 1700 metres above sea level. The zone’s climate is characterised by warm sunny days and very cold nights. This temperature difference intensifies the grape’s flavours and colours. The soil is stony and permeable, perfect for the malbec grapes.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about winemaking?
“The most rewarding thing as a supplier is to be able to provide this superb, complex wine at an affordable price. I am able to do this as I do everything myself, source. ship, store and distribute.”
TASTING NOTES
“Plenty of dark plums and blackberries, along with dark licorice, and nutmeg. Polish and flare on the palate with racy acidity and grainy tannin. (as described by James Suckling).”
What was important in making this award-winning wine?
“My decision to put forward this as a contender for NWWA was based on my finding a gap in the availability of good malbecs at an affordable price in New Zealand.”
Food Pairing?
“This wine is recommended to pair with steak. My family also enjoy it with curries, I recommend this too.”
How long can you shelf your winning bottle of wine for?
“Good for drinking now or cellar for another 2 years.”
Who would your wine appeal to?
“On its own, this wine would appeal to those with developed palates, paired with food, it has wide appeal. (I recommend my NWWA Silver Award winning wine, Tippo Tenaz Malbec to those who are new to wine drinking.)”
How would you describe this wine to someone who's never had this grape varietal/blend before?
“Those who enjoy Shiraz will love Latente Reserva Malbec.
If you could do a wine bottle swap with any winery in NZ or the world, which winery and wine would it be with?
“I would love to swap for a bottle of Larose 1996 from Stonyridge Vineyard on Waiheke.
I have purchased and consumed several vintages of this wine, but this vintage is outside my budget. We do not always have to go overseas to find world -class wines, but best Malbecs are definitely from Mendoza Argentina.”
FAST FACTS:
Founder : In Mendoza Argentina 1925 ,Francisco Esteller, originally of Valance Spain.
Current Owner & Winemaker: Francisco Pannocchia , Great grandson of founder.
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Wine varietals Available in New Zealand: Malbec
Latante Reserva, NWWA Gold
Tippo Tenaz, NWWA Silver
Latante Selected , NWWA Bronze also James Suckling 91 points
Bodeguita Reserva, a best seller at our current outlets.
