6FEB07 Tintonegro CABERNET FRANC, Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2020 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20)
100% Cabernet Franc 13.2% ABV
Tintonegro was born of the long time friendship and professional collaboration of Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach. Colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years, Alejandro was Vineyard Director and Jeff was Wine Education Director. With Alejandro’s knowledge and contacts with local vineyards, finding great fruit has been easier for them than others. Los Chacayes is known for pockets of limestone soil – similar to Loire Valley. This Cab Franc is medium-bodied, prioritizing freshness over power. Six months in neutral French oak. Red raspberry, violet, black tea, hints of chalk on the finish. One foot in Mendoza, the other in Chinon.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
This versatile red is just as excellent enjoyed with food or as a before dinner drink. Try a glass with Basquaise-style albacore tuna steaks or chicken, crispy fried chicken, sautéed duck breast with mushrooms, Andalusian gazpacho, English-style Cheddar with blackberry jam grilled cheese, stuffed quail with mushroom risotto and Morrocan style lamb with couscous. This red is also an excellent choice for your charcuterie board especially paired with bloomy cheeses like Brie, Camembert or blue, as well as fresh goat cheese and Gorgonzola.