2022 Escala Humana - Tupongato Semillon Credo (750ml)

Escala Humana is a small Argentine producer based in Tupungato, in Mendoza's Uco Valley, founded by Aye and Germán Masera with a philosophy centered on minimal intervention. The wines are crafted at Matías Michelini's Passionate Winery using sustainably farmed fruit, and the project has become known for reviving nearly forgotten sites and varieties that offer a window into Argentina's winemaking history. Their Credo bottling highlights one such site, an old parcel long overlooked before recent attention brought it back into focus.

This Semillon comes from the Manoni vineyard in El Peral, Tupungato, planted more than a century ago at an altitude near 3,750 feet on clay loam soils threaded with granite and calcareous rock. Low yields from the old, low-trellised vines are hand harvested, destemmed, and fermented with native yeasts. The wine then rests for 24 months in French oak barrels followed by another year in bottle before release, and it goes unfiltered and unfined to preserve its natural texture and character.

The resulting wine offers an oxidative style layered with honey, resin, white flowers, and chamomile alongside hazelnut and ripe citrus. Lemon zest and pear notes add brightness, while a distinct waxy quality and firm mineral backbone carry through to a long finish. Vibrant acidity balances the wine's rich, textured mouthfeel. It pairs well with seared scallops, roasted chicken, or aged sheep's milk cheese.