Martino Wines Cabernet Franc 2021

Martino Wines Cabernet Franc 2021 is a bold, characterful red from one of Mendoza’s most quality‑driven boutique producers. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc, it combines Argentine sunshine with a distinctly European sense of balance and elegance. This is a wine designed to intrigue seasoned collectors while remaining welcoming and enjoyable for any curious drinker. What sets this Cabernet Franc apart is its combination of whole‑cluster fermentation, wild yeasts, and a gentle touch of French oak, resulting in a wine that feels both vibrant and complete. Martino draws on both local and European grape traditions to create nuanced, expressive wines, and this 2021 bottling reflects the modern renaissance of Cabernet Franc in Argentina’s premium regions.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Martino Cabernet Franc shows a deep, saturated red colour with inky, almost black hues at the core, hinting at its intensity. The nose opens with dark fruits—blackberry, blackcurrant and ripe plum—layered with notes of black pepper, red bell pepper, dried herbs and subtle spice. Barrel aging on French oak adds inviting tones of dark chocolate, vanilla, and a faint touch of mocha, rounding out the aromatics without overpowering the fruit. On the palate, the wine is full‑bodied yet well‑balanced, with a smooth, supple texture that reflects Martino’s trademark softness. Juicy dark fruit flavours are framed by fine, ripe tannins and a fresh acidity that keeps everything in harmony. The oak influence contributes to a creamy mid‑palate and a savoury, chocolate‑tinged finish with lingering notes of spice and vanilla. Enjoyable now for its generous fruit and polished structure, it also has the concentration and balance to evolve gracefully in bottle through around 2028.

Production
The grapes for Martino Wines Cabernet Franc 2021 are sourced from premium Mendoza vineyards, where a combination of altitude, intense sunlight and cool nights helps Cabernet Franc achieve depth of flavour while preserving freshness. Soils range from loamy, alluvial profiles to deeper, stony and sandy‑clay structures influenced by the nearby Mendoza River—conditions that naturally limit vigour and promote concentration. The grapes are harvested in whole clusters, preserving aromatics and adding complexity, then placed in tank at low temperature for under 24 hours to encourage a gentle pre‑fermentation soak. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out with wild yeasts native to the estate, enhancing the sense of place in the finished wine. After fermentation, the wine macerates for an additional five days to refine tannin structure, followed by a spontaneous malolactic fermentation that brings further softness and creaminess. The wine is then aged for a few months in French oak, adding subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla while maintaining Cabernet Franc’s varietal character and freshness.

Food & Serving
This Cabernet Franc is a versatile partner for flavourful dishes, especially those featuring grilled or roasted meats. Try it with Argentine asado, ribeye steak, lamb chops, gourmet burgers, or slow‑braised beef. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, mature hard cheeses, roasted vegetables with herbs, and dishes featuring bell pepper or earthy spices. Serve at 16–18°C for optimal expression. A short decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended to allow the aromas to fully open and the tannins to soften, particularly if you are enjoying it in its youth.

Producer
Martino Wines is based in Luján de Cuyo, just outside the city of Mendoza, in a historic winery dating back to 1901. The original bodega, with its thick walls and traditional cane‑and‑mud ceilings, was acquired by Martino in 2012 and carefully restored in 2013, preserving its old‑world charm while incorporating modern technology. Today, Martino vinifies fruit from some of Mendoza’s most prestigious areas, including its own old‑vine Malbec holdings in Agrelo (planted in 1926) and extensive vineyards in Barranca Maipú planted in 1996 with varieties such as Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The winery is recognised not only for its commitment to environmental responsibility and responsible water use, but also as a trusted facility used by other top producers of premium wines in the region. This blend of heritage, terroir focus and technical excellence has positioned Martino Wines as a notable name in the modern Argentine fine‑wine scene.

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