Zorzal is a boutique winery that started in 2007 by the Michelini brothers. Currently the winery is run by head winemaker Juan Pablo Michelini with Noelia Juri as assistant winemaker. The winery and vineyards are located in the Gualtallary subregion of the Uco Valley at approximately 4800 feet above sea level. The estate sits on a unique blend of sand, stones, and granitic limestone and the grapes are all hand-harvested. Zorzal’s vision is to have a light hand in the winemaking so that the fruit and terroir can shine through. They strive to produce elegant wines that showcase the minerality and cool climate of Gualtallary. The winery practices a combination of organic and sustainable farming and tends to pick earlier than most in Mendoza to retain freshness and acidity in their wines instead of the overblown ripeness that is too often seen.
This 100% Cabernet Franc is from estate fruit planted in 2016. Vines grow at 4264 feet on alluvial, sandy granite, chalky soils. The wine spends six months in concrete with a light filtration before bottling. The nose shows creamy red raspberry and blackberry fruit with underlying notes of blueberry, fig, and white pepper. Fruit forward with rich vanilla butter creme layered in the mid palate and held together by a firm tannin structure that lead to a richly fruited, silky smooth finish.
