2022 Cara Sur Pergolas Criollas Blancas - Valle de Calingasta, San Juan, Argentina (750ml)

Cara Sur’ meaning ‘South Face,’ references the difficult ascent to Cerro Mercedario, one of Argentina’s tallest peaks, lurking above the winery. Pergolas Blancas is a blend of wild ‘Criolla’ varietals - Torrontés Sanjuanino, Torrontés Mendocino, Malvasia, and Maticha - planted between 1920-1970 on stony soil at 4900-5700 feet above sea level. Small production with minimal intervention, the destemmed grapes are fermented with native yeast and spend 7 months in concrete tank, neutral oak and 50 liter glass demijohns. Bottled with no fining or filtration, this crisp, medium-bodied white is incredibly complex with ripe tropical fruit, tangy apricot, herbaceousness, salinity and minerality as well as a dash of bitters. Pairs wonderfully with strong tinned fish like mackerel, grilled octopus, or a hard, salty cheese.