Malbec 2007 Bronze Medal AWA

Barda Norte's 2007 Malbec has already drawn attention and received its share of praise in the latest Argentine Wine Awards, the country’s most important wine contest.

Barda Norte has received its first award.

The contest was organized by Wines of Argentina and COVIAR (Argentine Wine Corporation). Attended by some of the most prestigious international and domestic experts, it took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Mendoza from 22 - 26 February 2009.

The jury of twelve international specialists and eight local oenologists had the task of tasting over 600 wines, choosing Barda Norte’s Malbec 2007 vintage for a bronze medal.

For Marcelo Miras, consultant winemaker to Barda Norte, this first distinction speaks of steps well taken in preperation for making other red varieties. The winery is aiming at satisfying markets that enjoy high quality Patagonian wine.

Q. How do you feel about this first award from the AWA?

A. It's a very good start, considering that it's our first wine and that it has achieved recognition in such an important contest such as the Argentine Wine Awards.

Q. Does this suggest that you are doing things right?

A. Indeed, generally speaking, all the viticulture and winemaking in the region over the past few years has shifted towards the production of higher quality wines, and when they begin to appear as winners of important national and international wine contests, this is an indication that things are being done very, very well.

Q. Your Malbec 2007 has received a prize, what other varieties do you plan for the future?

A. We are currently working on others reds: merlot and pinot noir, as well as malbec.

Q. Are you aiming for any other awards?

A. There are many contests, both national and international, and we may take part in some of them.

Q. Which markets are you targeting?

A. As we are making wine with an international style, the idea is to sell them both in the domestic and international markets such as the US, Europe, and especially the UK.

Q. Do you have any other comments?

A. Barda Norte is a very young company and has begun well. We always intended that the project would be geared towards the production of high quality wines, and that is where we are headed.

Barda Norte winery has announced that it is to produce a limited edition of its Malbec and Merlot varieties this year.

The valley of the Río Negro, that briefly interrupts the Patagonian desert is where the vineyard can be found. This area of the world combines outstanding characteristics: soil rich in minerals, extensive variations in temperature throughout the year, very little rain and generous amounts of light, all of which are important for the health of both the vines and the people caring for them.

The wine making process in Barda Norte is under the supervision of consulting oenologist Marcelo Miras, a much respected professional. Born and brought up in Mendoza, but now a resident of the Valley of Río Negro for the past two decades, Marcelo has received recognition in a great number of national and international contests, and was named by the viticulture press “The wizard of Patagonian wines”.

The grapes will be picked, cooled to stop early fermentation and then hand selected before being cleaned and placed in vats for slow gentle crushing and fermentation. Maturation will be in oak barrels and the final product will be available in numbered bottles.

Purity and aroma, won with tradition and craftsmanship.