2022 La Cayetana - Syrah Los Chacayes (750ml)
2022 La Cayetana Syrah from Los Chacayes, Valle de Uco, Mendoza offers a nuanced, site-driven expression crafted by Emilia Armando, partner in the Ver Sacrum legend, now pursuing a hands-on project that preserves ancient winemaking techniques and the character of small Mendoza sites.
Origin and Terroir
Single-vineyard Syrah from a high-density plot in Los Chacayes, planted in 2012 at 1,100 meters above sea level on the old alluvial riverbed of the Arroyo Grande. The rocky, calcareous soils are threaded with large river stones that stress the vines and concentrate flavor, yielding a wine with a distinctly cooler-climate, European-inspired soul within Mendoza’s Uco Valley.
Winemaking
- Harvested by hand
- 50% whole-cluster inclusion
- Native yeast fermentation lasting about 28 days in French oak
- Aging for 12 months in 225-liter French oak barriques
- Followed by eight months of bottle rest before release
Tasting profile
The nose opens with plum, cassis, white pepper, black olive, and a touch of smokiness. On the palate, it broadens with blueberry, lavender, and rose petals on a velvety mid-palate, framed by fine, present tannins and a long, energetic finish. This is a Syrah that feels both fresh and savory, with Rhône-like perfume and a distinct sense of place from high-altitude Mendoza.
Food pairings
- Roasted lamb with herbs and garlic
- Beef dishes with root vegetables or mushroom ragouts
- Herb-crusted pork or venison, charred vegetables, and smoky, earthy sides
- Aged cheeses and mushroom risotto
Details
Wine type: Syrah
Origin: Los Chacayes, Valle de Uco, Mendoza
Vineyard altitude: ~1,100 m
Soil: Rocky calcareous with large river stones
Bottle size: 750 ml