Cueva de las Manos
 Mendoza (Argentina)

The Estate
Cueva de las Manos is produced in a state-of-the-art winery, Chakana, built with the purpose of achieving outstanding quality.

Chakana winery was founded by Juan Pelizzatti on May 2nd, 2002. Juan was driven to enter the wine industry first and foremost by his passion for wine, and also by the desire to invest his time and money on a product of agriculture. Although Juan did not know it at the time, the company was founded on the same day the Chakana was celebrated on the Andes highlands: on that same day, the Southern Cross (the Chakana for the Inca people) becomes vertical in the night Andean sky.
Juan's mission is to create an integral experience to introduce world consumers to the taste and culture of the Andes. His vision is to become one of the top 20 exporters of wine from Argentina, by consistently offering outstanding value for money.

Vineyards beneath the Andes Mountains

Juan Pelizzatti

The Winery

Wine is currently produced in four different levels at Chakana, by winemaker Gabriel Bloise:
          Entry Level: Maipe
          Reserve Level: Maipe Reserve, Cueva de las Manos, Nuna
          Estate Selection
          Ayni

The winemaking process is focused on treating the grapes with great care and with strict control of every step of the production.
Wines are designed under the responsibility of the re-known international wine consultant Alberto Antonini.
The winery is located on a 150 ha. estate, 34 km South of the city of Mendoza, in Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo.
The grapes grown are 35 year-old Malbec, Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Deep and textured soils facilitate plant development and confer great body and structure to the wines.
The year-long sunny and dry conditions allow almost organic viticulture practices. The outstanding feature includes a great daily thermal amplitude, with mild days and cold nights, permitting a particular richness of polifenols that improves the wines flavors and color.
A drip irrigation system has been set up to achieve a precise control of the vegetative cycle and a rational use of water. Waters are processed and used in the vineyards.

The Winery

The Winery at Night

Stainless Steel Fermentation and Holding Tanks

The Vineyards
Chakana sources grapes from their own four estates:

Views of the Vineyards

Views of the Vineyards

Views of the Vineyards

Harvesting the Grapes

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the hands) is a pre-historic site in southern Patagonia featuring a very early form of human art.  The cave, a UNESCO world heritage site, derives its name from the paintings of hands made by the indigenous inhabitants between 9,300 and 13,000 years ago.  The images of hands are often negative (stencilled) and painted in colors ranging from red to white, black or yellow.
These wines are a tribute to the legend and legacy of the ancient Patagonian indigenous groups; a history of independence and perseverance.

shelf talker

AR1EE881050VGM
UPC code: 7 84585 01137 7
2010 Cueva de las Manos, Viognier, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Viognier. Manual harvest.
5 hour maceration on skins; 70% fermented in temperature controlled steel vats (14-16°C) with selected yeasts, 30% fermented in French oak barrels for 30 days. Then aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.

Pale golden color. In the nose it reveals intense pear and apricot fruits, bright floral scents together with citrus and honey. 
Extravagent and extroverted, very impressive.
A wine with both finesse and opulence. The palate is long and expresses slightly sweet flavors of peach and tangerine finishing with a layered mineral texture. Oak comes through on the finish with some spice It elegantly accompanies curries, fish dishes, white meat and vegetables. Excellent with cheese and fruit.

AR1EE881049VGM
UPC code: 7 84585 01137 7
2009 Cueva de las Manos, Viognier, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Viognier. Manual harvest.
5 hour maceration on skins; 70% fermented in temperature controlled steel vats (14-16°C) with selected yeasts, 30% fermented in French oak barrels for 30 days. Then aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.

Pale golden color. In the nose it reveals intense pear and apricot fruits, bright floral scents together with citrus and honey. 
Extravagent and extroverted, very impressive.
A wine with both finesse and opulence. The palate is long and expresses slightly sweet flavors of peach and tangerine finishing with a layered mineral texture. Oak comes through on the finish with some spice It elegantly accompanies curries, fish dishes, white meat and vegetables. Excellent with cheese and fruit.


AR1EE881034VGM
UPC code: 7 84585 01137 7
2008 Cueva de las Manos, Viognier, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Viognier. Manual harvest.
5 hour maceration on skins; 70% fermented in temperature controlled steel vats (14-16°C) with selected yeasts, 30% fermented in French oak barrels for 30 days. Then aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.

Pale golden color. In the nose it reveals intense pear and apricot fruits, bright floral scents together with citrus and honey. 
Extravagent and extroverted, very impressive.
A wine with both finesse and opulence. The palate is long and expresses slightly sweet flavors of peach and tangerine finishing with a layered mineral texture. Oak comes through on the finish with some spice It elegantly accompanies curries, fish dishes, white meat and vegetables. Excellent with cheese and fruit.

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

shelf talker / case card

shelf talker / case card

shelf talker

#AR0EE881098MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00874 2
2010 Cueva de las Manos, Malbec, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 12 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 20 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels (50% French and 50% American); aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.

"The 2010 Malbec Reserve spent 12 months in French and American oak. Spice box, tar, chocolate, cherry cola, and blueberry aromas lead to a moderately structured, savory, sweetly-fruited wine with good depth and length. It is an excellent value that will provide pleasure over the next 4-5 years."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 88 pts

#AR0EE881061MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00874 2
2009 Cueva de las Manos, Malbec, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 12 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 20 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels (50% French and 50% American); aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.

"Two winners from Argentina include the 2009 Malbec Reserve, a 100% Malbec aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. Copious aromas of chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, tar, and spice box jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine. Ripe, succulent, and loaded with fruit with silky tannins and a long finish, it will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next 2-3 years, this is a heck-of-a bargain. "
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 90 pts

"This Malbec Reserve exhibits a dark ruby color and is fruit forward with red and black cherry fruit on the nose and on the palate. It is medium-weight and shows good fruit intensity, balance and a dry finish. Excellent value. This estate where it is situated in Luján de Cuyo takes its name from the Cave of the Hands, a Cave in the mountains of Argentine Patagonia which contains paintings of hands made by indigenous inhabitants from 9, 000-13,000 years ago."
- International Wine Review (Report#26 - April 2011), 89 points


#AR0EE881033MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00874 2
2008 Cueva de las Manos, Malbec, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 12 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 20 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels (50% French and 50% American); aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.

Deep red color with violet hints.
The nose reveals dried plum and dark fruits, exotic spices, hints of violet and chocolate. Fruity flavors; well balanced, elegant tannins.
Excellent with roasted and smoked meat, seasoned dishes.

"Bright deep ruby. Blackberry, licorice and spicy oak on the nose. Moderately dense and concentrated, with brisk acidity framing the black fruit, licorice and herb flavors. Finishes fairly intense, with notes of chocolate and pepper."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10), 87 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

shelf talker

AR0EE881083CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00873 5
2009 Cueva de las Manos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 12 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 20 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.

Dark berries and cassis dominate the nose with hints of mint and chocolate. Nicely balanced, it is gentle on the palate with layers of texture, followed by ripe, supple tannins.
Excellent with roasted and smoked meat, seasoned dishes.

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spent 12 months in French oak. Cassis, chocolate, and a hint of mint inform the nose of a dense, concentrated, ripe Cabernet that over-delivers for its humble price. Drink this outstanding value over the next 5-6 years"
- Wine Advocate (December 23rd 2011), 89pts

AR0EE881035CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00873 5
2008 Cueva de las Manos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 12 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 20 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.

Dark berries and cassis dominate the nose with hints of mint and chocolate. Nicely balanced, it is gentle on the palate with layers of texture, followed by ripe, supple tannins.
Excellent with roasted and smoked meat, seasoned dishes.

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

 
shelf talker / case card

shelf talker

#AR0EE881
UPC code: 7 84585 01011 0
2010 Cueva de las Manos, Old Vines Bonarda, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Bonarda.  Manual harvest.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 5 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.
Deep ruby color. Ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum and sweet vanilla on the nose. Full-bodied, soft tannins and juicy fruity flavors.
Excellent with grilled meats, spicy dishes

"Cueva de Las Manos 2010 Bonarda Old Vines Reserve was aged in French oak for 12 months. Notions of plum, blackberry, and vanilla set the stage for a spicy, layered, satisfying, nicely balanced Bonarda. It is a very good value meant for drinking over the next 4-5 years"
- Wine Advocate (December 23rd 2011), 87pts

#AR0EE881084BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01011 0
2009 Cueva de las Manos, Old Vines Bonarda, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Bonarda.  Manual harvest.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 5 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.
Deep ruby color. Ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum and sweet vanilla on the nose. Full-bodied, soft tannins and juicy fruity flavors.
Excellent with grilled meats, spicy dishes


#AR0EE881032BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01011 0
2008 Cueva de las Manos, Old Vines Bonarda, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Bonarda.  Manual harvest.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 5 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.
Deep ruby color. Ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum and sweet vanilla on the nose. Full-bodied, soft tannins and juicy fruity flavors.
Excellent with grilled meats, spicy dishes

"Chakana's purple-colored 2008 Bonarda Provia Cueva de las Manos offers a fruity, Beaujolais-like nose featuring plums and mulberries. Fruity, forward, and easy-going, this tasty effort will match well with bistro cuisine. Drink it over the next 3 years."
 - Wine Advocate (Aug. 09), 88 pts

#AR0EE881027BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01011 0
2007 Cueva de las Manos, Old Vines Bonarda, Reserve 12/750ml
100% Bonarda.  Manual harvest.
2 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26°C; 5 days of post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.
Deep ruby color. Ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum and sweet vanilla on the nose. Full-bodied, soft tannins and juicy fruity flavors.
Excellent with grilled meats, spicy dishes

"Saturated ruby to the rim. Black fruits, licorice and bitter chocolate on the nose. Dense and sweet in the mouth, with good depth to the dark berry and leather flavors. On the simple side but satisfying. Finishes with slightly advanced suggestions of caramel and nut skin. Drink soon."
- Tanzer's Internatinoal Wine Cellar (Jan. 09), 87 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle