4 and 6 bottle levels    $23 (member price $20)
100% Malbec   14.5% ABV

Piedra Negra is a project of Bodegas François Lurton, who has wineries in France, Spain, Argentina and Chile.  Mr. Lurton was one of the pioneers of Val de Uco, and specifically Los Chacayas, which he says reminds him of Pessac-Leognan, with their gravelly soils. Los Chacayas is about 3500 feet elevation, with aluvial and volcanic soils from the nearby Andes.  It lies about 50 miles south of the town of Mendoza.  10 months in French oak (2^nd use), so it’s more about the mouthfeel than baking spices.  Blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, espresso.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this smooth Argentine red with chili-rubbed venison, Basque-style chicken, succulent prime rib with crispy parsley potatoes, wild boar sausage and peppers over blue cheese polenta, peppered steaks with Chimichurri, blue cheese and bacon topped burgers, classic cassoulet, lamb tagine with prunes, and duck confit caramelized onion topped flatbread. This red is just as delightful with vegetarian dishes such as wild rice and mushroom stuffed peppers, mushroom ravioli with cream sauce, pumpkin and Gorgonzola risotto, eggplant Parmesan and grilled cheese sandwiches. For an unexpected after dinner treat, try this red with dark chocolate torte or truffles. Or simply savor a glass with Farmhouse Cheddar, Manchego, Barkham blue, Argentine Parmesan or Stilton.