After a very atypical 2016 harvest, lower temperatures than usual dominated the entire vegetative cycle, the 2017 season began with an early sprout (at our Luján and Valle de Uco farms) of around 15 days than usual. This was due to the high winter temperatures (in August we recorded many days with abnormally high temperatures). Spring started fresh and dry. With the already active vine plants there was strong frost in September and October. As a consequence of these colds in sprouting and blooming or prefloration, in addition to direct damage in some areas and varieties, we had significant losses in yields due to inconveniences in the curdle. Harvest was the second lowest in quantity in the last 50 years, being the variety most affected the Malbec. It is difficult to determine precisely the cause of a poor score (especially in Malbec that tends to have difficulty in curdle). In this case we believe that it is the damage caused by the cold and frost of this season, but we do not rule out that the low temperatures of the previous season could also have some influence in these losses.

After flowering the temperatures were normal and would say high, and during part of December January and part of February, there were some very intense heat waves. The temperatures in March and April were cool with some sunny days, typical of the autumn of Mendoza.

Sanitation throughout the cycle was very good and cryptogamic diseases could be controlled with few preventive sprays of traditional products such as sulfur and sulfur.

The harvest of the white varieties was before than expected,  and we began the first days of February. We harvest these grapes in two or three different moments, looking for suitable components to achieve balance and freshness in the wines. The result was fresh wines with delicate aromas. The alcohol levels are generally low and the natural acidity good, maintaining the profile of freshness and elegance that we seek for. This year we highlight our Viognier from Perdriel and Chardonnay from Gualtallary, we believe they are outstanding! The Sauvignon Blanc of the Uco Valley is also very interesting.

The red varieties were also advanced. The Malbec of Luján and Gualtallary harvest started on March 1st, about 15 days before than usual, from there temperatures were more stable, finishing harvesting all varieties in mid-April.

The very low yields and good sanitation conditions made this a harvest of exceptional quality in general  for all varieties but particularly for Malbec.

The wines are very concentrated, with a great tannic structure and intense colors. The cool temperatures during March and April made the maturity and the accumulation of sugars very gradual, retaining good acidity and moderate alcohols.

CONCLUSION: A harvest marked by the very low yields in the vineyard and the great concentration of tannins, aromas and color of the wines.

 OVERALL, HARVESTING OF LOW VOLUME AND EXCEPTIONAL IN QUALITY.