Buscado Vivo o Muerto El Manzano 2018

Buscado Vivo o Muerto El Manzano 2018 is a bold, character-driven red from Argentina’s acclaimed Uco Valley, crafted for drinkers who like their wines with both power and finesse. This distinctive blend of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot captures the tension between Andean altitude, stony soils and meticulous winemaking. Named after the Manzano (meaning “apple tree”) area, it pays tribute to a rugged corner of Mendoza where old vineyards and pioneering producers have helped redefine modern Argentine wine.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, El Manzano 2018 shows a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue with a dark core and bright, youthful rim. The nose opens with an aromatic lift from Cabernet Franc—violets, fresh herbs and crushed red berries—layered over Malbec’s ripe black plum and Petit Verdot’s darker notes of cassis, graphite and subtle spice. Hints of cocoa, pencil shavings and dried flowers emerge as it breathes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet finely structured, with concentrated black cherry, blackberry and plum framed by fresh acidity from the high-altitude vineyards. Firm but polished tannins provide grip and length, while well-integrated oak adds touches of vanilla, tobacco leaf and baking spice without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long and savory, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, cedar and graphite. Enjoyable now with a short decant, it has the structure and freshness to age gracefully for 8–12 years from vintage, developing more complexity and tertiary notes over time.

Production
El Manzano 2018 is sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley, where vineyards sit at the foothills of the Andes on poor, stony alluvial soils with good drainage. The combination of intense sunlight, cool mountain nights and low-vigour soils naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor while preserving acidity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand in small boxes to ensure careful selection in the vineyard, then sorted again at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels to capture aromatic purity and varietal character, with gentle extraction to manage tannins from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is then aged in oak barrels—often French—for additional texture, subtle spice and complexity before blending and bottling.

Food & Serving
This structured, expressive red is an excellent match for rich, savory dishes: think grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, beef short ribs, venison, or slow-cooked stews. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, aged hard cheeses, mushroom dishes and roasted root vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both freshness and depth. Decant for 45–60 minutes if drinking now to soften the tannins and allow the aromatics to fully open in the glass.

Producer
Bodega Buscado Vivo o Muerto is a boutique Argentine project focused on discovering and expressing singular vineyard sites—often remote, high-altitude plots that push the boundaries of fine wine in Mendoza. The name, which translates as “Wanted Dead or Alive,” reflects the winery’s relentless search for distinctive terroirs with strong personality and sense of place. Working primarily in the Uco Valley, the producer has become known for crafting small-lot, site-specific wines that highlight the nuances of altitude, soil and climate rather than simple varietal power. Through careful vineyard work and thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking, Bodega Buscado Vivo o Muerto has earned a reputation among enthusiasts for wines that are both modern in precision and deeply rooted in the Andean landscape.

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