Region: Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes: Bold, ripe blackberry fruit, with hints of meatiness and a sprinkling of that signature sandalwood and pepper - this is cabernet franc with the volume turned all the way up. From own-rooted, high elevation vines in the northernmost subzone of Argentina's Uco Valley. Winemaker Matias Michelini strives to express terroir with unexpected grape varietals, and we'd say he succeeded with this one.

Producer: Passionate Wines is the brainchild of Matias Michelini. He is the winemaker, agronomist, and Grand Poobah of his winery named Passionate Wines. Matias strives to make experimental wines that express terroir. These wines are low production and are drawn from multiple inspirations, regions, and styles. The Montesco wines are small production wines that focus on place and varietals. Matias continues to experiment with other cuvees with the mantra of producing either atypical varietals or classic varietals in non-traditional methods.

Vineyard and Winemaking: The grapes for this wine are grown at 1,500 meters of elevation in a young vineyard in San Pablo, Tunuyan, Valle de Uco. The vines are ungrafted, planted directly in the alluvial and calcareous soils, and the resulting wine is full of energy and finesse. It is made in concrete vats from native yeasts and ages about 8 months before being bottled.