2018 Kaiken Mai The First Malbec

The MAI is made with grapes from the vineyards of Vistalba (Mendoza). This area is one of the oldest local vineyards and is considered one of Argentina's best terroirs for high quality premium wines. The vineyard is over 100 years old. Yields are naturally low and gives highly concentrated grapes. This unique vineyard is managed according to age-old organic 100% organic and biodynamic principles. This fine 80-year-old vineyard gives excellent wines elegance, structure and strength.

Grapes were hand-picked and transported in 15 kg bins to protect the berries and guarantee the quality of the fruit. After this must was fermented in small tanks under optimal conditions to preserve the character and qualities of the vineyard. Alcoholic fermentation was performed at 25°C-30°C for approximately 7 days followed by post-fermentative maceration for approximately 20 days, depending on each specific batch. Finally, all wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months.

The MAI Malbec has a surprisingly deep red color with attractive purplish hues. On the nose it shows fruity aromas of plums and sour cherries with spicy notes of tobacco and cinnamon - from the grapes and the aging of the French oak. This elegant and complex wine with soft tannins that linger on the palate is ready to drink. Because of the great structure and volume, this wine has an age of 15 years or more.

The Kaiken Mai The First Malbec has received one of the highest ratings ever with a whopping 96/100 James Suckling and according to Tim Atkins: The Best of Argentina (96/100)

Winery Kaiken

The Caiquén is a wild goose from Patagonia that flies over the Andes between Argentina and Chile. Entering into this cross-border flight presents the Caiquén with a major challenge. Like the Caiquén, Aurelio Montes, founder of the Chilean winery Bodega Montes, made several trips through the Andes until he rediscovered Mendoza in 2000 as a generous land full of beautiful vineyards and hard-working people. In 2001, he realized that Mendoza was the perfect place to make Kaikén wines, wines that embody everything a great wine should be.

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