Santiago Achaval is a man that needs little introduction in Mendoza. Having started Achaval Ferrer with renowned Italian winemaker Roberto Cipresso in 1995, the winery in Lujan de Cuyo became synonymous with high-quality Malbec. Both Cipresso and Achaval sold their share in Achaval Ferrer in 2011, and moved next door to start a new passion project, Matervini winery, which refocuses on the essence of their original wine adventure – Malbec.
With a series of Matervini Malbec wines coming from different terroirs in Argentina, the winery offers a great opportunity to explore the different character of the variety as expressed in different terroirs. The collection includes high altitude Malbec from Chacayes in the Uco Valley, Calchaquíes in Cafayate, Salta, and a new previously-unexplored region which they planted in El Challao in Las Heras, Mendoza, and have called Piedras Viejas. Achaval and Cipresso also took a chance planting in another site in Las Heras, near Villavicencio in Las Heras in a vineyard they call Valle de Canota. And last but not least, they continue to vinify the old Malbec vines that they worked with for many years at Achaval Ferrer in Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo.
In this video interview taken from the balcony of Matervini winery overlooking the Andes Santiago Achaval explains why he thinks Malbec is the not just the past and present of Argentine wine, but also the future:
Malbec week with Santiago Achaval
Posted by Amanda Barnes on Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Matervini is open for visitors from Monday through Saturday where you can visit the eco-friendly winery and taste the wines. Matervini Malbecs are only available to buy through their wine club and at the winery.
For more information on visiting the winery, Matervini Malbec wines and the region check out Matervini in our winery guide.
