Cueva de las Manos
 Mendoza (Argentina)

The Estate
Cueva de las Manos is produced at a state-of-the-art winery, built with the purpose of achieving outstanding quality. The estate spreads over 300 ha (741 acres) in Agrelo and Lujàn de Cuyo, 34 km south of the city of Mendoza, at 950 meters above sea level.  The winemaking process is focused on treating the grapes with great care and with strict control of every stage.
People at the winery believe the Andean vision encompasses a deep understanding of this unique region, that shares thousands of miles of a common landscape, one culture and a special relationship with nature, creating the context for a common identity of Argentinean viticulture.

Vineyards beneath the Andes Mountains

The Winery

The Winery

The Winery at Night

Stainless Steel Fermentation and Holding Tanks

The Vineyards
The vineyard consists of 80 hectares (197.6 acres) total planted to 32 ha of Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.5 ha of Malbec and the rest split between Sauvignon Blanc, Bonarda, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Deep and textured soils facilitate plant development, and confer great body and structure to the wines. A drip irrigation system has been set up to allow a precise control of the vegetative cycle and a rationed use of water. 

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

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. 
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

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shelf talker

#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 but a tad dry, with notes of chocolate and pepper."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10), 87 pts

#AR0EE881005MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00874 2
2006 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.

"The 2006 Cueva de las Manas Malbec was aged in barrel for 12 months. Opaque purple-colored, it reveals a brooding bouquet of cedar, pencil lead, spice box, and black cherry. Layered on the palate, it has good depth and grip, savory flavors, and excellent length. Very good value Drink it through 2013."
- Wine Advocate (Dec 08), 88 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

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shelf talker

#AR0EE881014CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00873 5
2007 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.

#AR0EE881004CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00873 5
2006 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.

"Purple-colored it exhibits a classy perfume of smoke, mineral, violets, and black currant. Layered and nearly opulent, it has plenty of succulent black fruit, good focus, and solid length. It over-delivers for its modest price. Very good value."
- Wine Advocate (Dec 08), 89 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

 
shelf talker / case card

#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