Tim Atkin Report 2024 The Best Sparkling Wine of Argentina: Apartado Brut Nature 2019
Tim Atkin, the multi-awarded wine communicator and Master of Wine, has once again recognized a wine from the winery. In his 2024 Report, the English critic tasted 1,776 wines from 312 participating wineries during a 20-day tour.
Apartado Brut Nature 2019 – Sparkling Wine of the Year 2024
In line with his observations in the 2019 Report, where he emphasized how well all types of grapes thrive in our country due to the variety of climates – not just Malbec – this Medal of Excellence is awarded to Apartado Brut Nature 2019 as Sparkling Wine of the Year 2024.
Aged for 36 months on lees, this sparkling wine combines 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay. Its aroma is reminiscent of fresh quince, citrus, white fruits, and even toasted bread. On the palate, its delicacy integrates the freshness of the fruit with a creamy complexity, offering a clean and elegant finish.
It pairs wonderfully with mushroom risotto, curry chicken, sushi, or shrimp pasta. It also complements fish like sole and trout, as well as seafood such as prawns, anchovies, and oysters.
Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021 – 95 points
Sourced from a selection of vineyards in the Gualtallary Estate, this Cabernet Franc is aged for 12 months in French oak, with 50% of the blend in new oak and the rest in second-use oak. It not only scored 95 points but was also included in the ranking of the best Cabernet Francs.
With garnet tones, the nose perceives touches of fresh and stewed fruits, along with the elegant framework of spices characteristic of this frank and distinguished wine. It pairs excellently with a juicy grilled steak with carrot and broccoli puree, Patagonian lamb, or grilled polenta.
In Tim Atkin’s words: “This Gualtallary Cabernet Franc is a delicious expression of the 2021 vintage, with flavors of graphite, tarragon, jarilla, plum, red pepper, and paprika, and a refreshing herbal touch.”
Single Vineyard Malbec Gualtallary 2021 – 95 points
Like the Cabernet Franc from the same line and estate, it is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 50% of the blend in new oak and the rest in second-use oak. This Malbec was selected among the best in its variety.
With a violet color and dense garnet reflections, it is very aromatic on the nose, surprising with scents of violets and fruits such as cherries, plums, and blueberries. Structured and full-bodied, it is a great choice to serve with beef and vegetable skewers, pork tenderloin with Roquefort, potato stew with seafood, or chicken sautéed with mustard and honey. The sophisticated texture of high-altitude wines also pairs well with plant-based dishes, such as falafel or stir-fried rice noodles with tofu and peppers.
According to Tim Atkin: “This wine is serious, compact, dense but also refreshingly attractive, with robust tannins, damson plum and blackberry flavors, and 20% new oak adding toasted notes. Designed to age in the bottle.”