Flechas De Los Andes, Gran Malbec 2020

Flechas de los Andes is a prestigious winery in Argentina, founded as a collaboration between Baron Benjamin de Rothschild and Laurent Dassault. This partnership blends French winemaking expertise with Argentina’s exceptional terroir, producing wines that reflect both power and elegance. Named after the iconic “flechas” (arrows) from the Rothschild family crest, the estate is dedicated to crafting world-class Malbecs with structure, depth, and refinement.

Located in the Uco Valley, one of Argentina’s most celebrated wine regions, the vineyards sit at an altitude of around 1,100 metres. The high elevation, combined with intense sunlight and cool nights, allows the grapes to develop rich concentration while retaining fresh acidity. The alluvial soils, with a mix of sand, gravel, and limestone, contribute to the wine’s fine tannins and mineral backbone. Aged in French oak barrels, the Gran Malbec showcases the complexity and ageing potential of Argentina’s signature grape.

Appearance: Deep, almost opaque purple with intense ruby highlights. The wine’s richness is evident in the way it clings to the glass, forming slow-moving legs that hint at its full-bodied structure and generous alcohol content.

Aroma: Bold and expressive, with layers of ripe blackberries, plums, and cassis. Secondary notes of violet, cocoa, and espresso emerge, followed by hints of black pepper, vanilla, and a touch of graphite. The oak influence is well-integrated, adding depth without overpowering the fruit.

Taste: Powerful yet refined, with a plush texture and well-balanced structure. Ripe dark fruit flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry dominate, layered with dark chocolate, liquorice, and a touch of tobacco. The oak ageing provides smooth tannins and subtle spice, while the natural acidity keeps the wine fresh and dynamic.

Finish: Long and lingering, with velvety tannins and a savoury, almost smoky finish. The interplay between fruit, spice, and minerality leaves a lasting impression of depth and elegance, with hints of mocha and dried herbs appearing as the wine evolves in the glass.

Food Pairing: Grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri enhances the wine’s bold fruit and spice, while the richness of the meat softens the tannins beautifully. Aged blue cheese, such as Stilton or Roquefort, creates an indulgent contrast, with the salty creaminess complementing the wine’s depth and dark fruit character.