Krontiras, Natural Malbec - Argentina, 2024
Fast Facts:
Winemaker(s): Constantinos & Silvina Krontiras
Region: Maipú -> Mendoza -> Argentina
Varietal(s): Malbec
Terroir: 900 meters elevation, organic & biodynamic vineyards
Serving Temp: 55-60°F
Constantinos and Silvina started Bodegas Krontiras in 2004 to make terroir-driven wines in Mendoza. The Greek-Argentinean couple bought a 120-year-old vineyard in the prestigious Perdriel sector and established new vineyards in Maipú, converting everything to organic by 2009 and fully biodynamic by 2012 - and one of the first in Argentina to do so, I might add!
The extra cool piece is they built their winery according to biodynamic principles using "sacred geometry." They applied the golden ratio and π to create what they believe is the perfect environment for winemaking. Straw insulation, natural materials, the whole nine yards.
Since 2015, they've been experimenting with zero-sulfur ("zero zero") added wines, and their Natural Malbec is the star of that project. It's 100% Malbec from their biodynamic vineyards in Maipú, and fermented in stainless steel. Zero so2 added at any point, bringing you something wild, pure, and totally transparent.
Why'd we pick it?
Natural Malbec without sulfur is kind of a unicorn - it's hard to pull off without the wine falling apart. But Krontiras really did it! Plus we love the biodynamic nerds, and especially ones who are into ancient geometric principles.
Field Notes
- Tastes like: Juicy blackberry and dark plum with violets and cracked black pepper. Some black tea umami magic, structured and velvety tannins with a little extra brightness.
- Serve it around 55-60°F - a flash in the fridge. ALSO! If you don't finish it on the first go, leave it in the fridge. This one will get mousy without added so2.
- Food Pairings: This wine wants some big ol' flavors. Grilled steak with chimichurri is where I would lean you. Or some smoked brisket, or Carne Asada tacos. Or a mushroom + black bean veggie burger would slay.
