Kaiken Aventura Valle de Canota Malbec, 2021

Kaiken Aventura Valle de Canota – Smooth and Fruity Argentine Malbec

This wine is intense ruby in colour with violet hues. Fresh strawberry and blackberry notes unfold alongside chocolate aromas. On the palate this wine has soft and delicate tannins with a firm body and creamy texture. The finish is long and fruity with a delightful herbal quality.

100% Malbec

14.5% Alcohol

Vegan, Vegetarian

Vineyards

The Kaiken Aventura range celebrates Kaiken's ongoing exploration of new sub-regions and their regional differences within Mendoza. Located 22 miles from Mendoza city and surrounded by the Andean foothills, the Canota Valley was classified as a GI in 2019 (a 'Geographical Indication' signifys an area of particular quality). Although Kaiken planted vineyards in 2015, it is still largely unexplored with only a few producers operating in the Valley. It has very low annual rainfall and climatically is regarded as an Andean desert. The soil here retains moisture, thereby enabling viticulture. Harvest generally starts one month before the Uco Valley, which highlights the difference in climate between these sub-regions.

Vinification 

The grapes were harvested by hand in the early morning to take advantage of the lower temperatures. They were then transported promptly to the winery to ensure freshness. Upon arrival the clusters were carefully selected and destemmed. Before fermentation, the grapes underwent a three-day maceration for colour extraction. Fermentation was carried out using indigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature of 26– 28°C for ten days. The wine was then left in contact with the skins for an additional five days before maturing in separate concrete tanks for 12 months, then a further six months in bottle before release.

Kaiken

Kaikenes are wild geese, native to Patagonia, that fly across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. In the same way, legendary Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes crossed the Andes to make wines in Mendoza. After several exploratory trips, Aurelio saw the enormous potential for premium viticulture in this region and founded the Kaiken winery in 2002. His aim is to make great wines in Mendoza and, in doing so, show the best of both sides of the Andes. His efforts have clearly yielded great results, with Kaiken named ‘New World Producer of the Year’ by the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2024. In addition, they have now achieved B-Corp certification, illustrating their commitment to both responsible and sustainable business practices.

Kaiken’s estate vineyards are planted in the heart of Mendoza and further south in the Uco Valley, where many premium producers are now sourcing fruit. Their focus is primarily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety once almost forgotten in the region. As a result of Kaiken’s protection, there are now several old vine Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Mendoza that produce excellent wines, including Kaiken’s vineyard in the Vistalba district of Luján de Cuyo, which was first planted in 1910.

Originally planting the variety in secret from his father, it was through experimentation that Aurelio Montes Junior discovered that the Uco Valley’s high-elevation vineyards were also well suited to growing Cabernet Franc. Aurelio Junior has pioneered this variety in Argentina and, together with a handful of other winemakers, has highlighted the country’s potential to produce top-quality Cabernet Franc. Kaiken’s ‘Obertura’ displays an intense and complex nose, with fresh redcurrants, plums and spicy notes of pepper and clove. The grapes for Kaiken’s traditional method sparkling wine are sourced from the renowned sub-region of Gualtallary, also in the Uco Valley. Here, limestone-rich soils and elevations of around 1,400 metres provide optimal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.