While Mendoza has always been a friend of the Bordeaux varieties beyond Malbec (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to mention a few), in recent years there is an increasing trend towards Mediterranean varieties too.
Syrah is the most widespread Mediterranean variety you’ll find in Mendoza, making up almost 10% of the planted red grape varieties. However Syrah isn’t the only grape associated with the Rhone that is making waves in Mendoza today – there’s an exciting new undercurrent of Mediterranean varieties emerging including Garnacha (Grenache), Monastrell (Mourvedre), Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.
One of the pioneers of the GSM blend in Mendoza was Dr Revana who planted the varieties in 2008 in his Corazon del Sol winery at The Vines of Mendoza. “On my first visit to Uco Valley with winemaker Santiago Achaval, we visited a dry river bed at the western edge of Tunuyan – It was unlike any other site I’ve ever seen, 1,100 meters in elevation on a giant colluvial pile of rounded stones and boulders.”
“The raw land reminded me of some famous vineyards in the south of France, and we began to imagine the potential of this area as a high elevation version of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you look at where the varieties of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre produce the most compelling wines, you see similar climatic traits; copious sunshine, arid weather, and warm climates. The potential of these Mediterranean varieties in Mendoza is immense!”
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