Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016. Mil Piedras

Silvio Benvenuto is one of the many Italian immigrants who came to Argentina in search of clean air and suitable land to grow grapes. He found all that and more in Mendoza's Uco Valley. He was overtaken by the land with thousands of stones buried in the earth, which helps drainage and is one of the most important components in growing grapes.

He named his wine Mil Piedras, meaning "a thousand stones." The alluvial soil in combination with the high sand content allows the roots of the vines to reach incredibly deep into the ground, offering excellent drainage. Because of its semi-desert climate, the temperature spread between day and night can be up to 50 degrees. The 3,000 feet of elevation allows unrestricted sunlight and helps the fruit develop ripe, rich flavors, and deep colors. Growing grapes here is about as easy as it gets. The elevation accounts for crystal clear sunlight and cooler temperatures. It also accounts for the absence of pests that can harm the grapes, which is why almost all the vineyards are partially or completely organic.

The bright daylight combined with the very cool nights creates a harmonious relationship with the grapes ripening during the day, and their critical acids kept safe at night. This is what accounts for the bright cherry and blackberry fruit, and the grip in the finish. Aging in oak barrels rounds out the flavors while adding spice and vanilla in a swirl of savory wonderment just waiting for a prime ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes and seared asparagus.

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